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.

But in a courtroom this month, the Star reported, Ali revealed he had lied about the quick death to lessen the impact on her family.

From Los Angeles Times

McLaren have managed Norris and Piastri with sensitivity and effectiveness, but the challenges do not lessen just because that has been the case so far.

From BBC

Studies find that it provides a sense of purpose and community and can lessen loneliness.

From The Wall Street Journal

Williams said he had supported the recent rate reductions because he judged the risks of weaker-than-anticipated employment outcomes had increased and the chances of faster-than-expected inflation had “lessened somewhat.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The sting of a higher health-insurance premium may lessen when payment is set on auto-pay, he said, while a bigger car loan may feel more manageable when it becomes a fixed, recurring expense.

From MarketWatch

lessen

Example Sentences

Related Words