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 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

To lessen earnings volatility, Mitsui O.S.K. is aiming to grow businesses that can generate stable cash flows, such as real estate and LNG shipping, where long-term contracts are common.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 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

The Space Force contends it follows federal environmental laws and has commissioned studies to lessen the flights’ impact on wildlife and reduce residents’ exposure to sonic booms.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

But that did not lessen the sadness I felt at not being able to make her life more comfortable, or the pain of not being able to lay her to rest.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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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