Definitions

lessen

[les-uhn] / ˈlɛs ən /

VERB

lower, reduce

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abate curtail decrease dilute diminish dwindle ease erode impair lighten minimize mitigate narrow shrink slacken taper off weaken

STRONG

abridge amputate attenuate clip close contract crop cut de-escalate decline degrade downsize drain minify moderate soft pedal taper thin truncate

WEAK

become smaller cut back die down grow less roll back slack up slow down take the bite out take the edge off take the sting out wind down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase intensify irritate lengthen prolong strengthen worsen

STRONG

go up rise stretch

WEAK

raise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The move was designed to lessen the costs for taxpayers in the host city, and the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

"The helicopter is expected to carry out targeted water drops on the Elan Valley wildfire during the next few hours to extinguish or lessen the impacts of the fire," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

And the time horizon for the hoped-for boost in economic productivity that would lessen price pressures is highly uncertain.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

"There will probably be a moment where we see it return elsewhere and lessen the impact of the conflict if it continues," she added.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

‘I’m not a coward,’ he said over his shoulder as they followed the river into a shady oak wood, and the threat of pursuit seemed to lessen.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Vocabulary lists containing lessen

Going Down: Synonyms for "Fall"

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Chop Chop: Synonyms for "Cut"

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Road Trip Magical Mystery List A

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