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.

Overall, the findings indicate that exercise may help preserve cognitive function and lessen some symptoms of chemo brain during treatment.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

Pfizer is hopeful that the experimental drug can lessen the side effects like nausea and diarrhea that occur with GLP-1s.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

“Working together may not have been in the cards for us; however, that does not lessen my enthusiasm for the band,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

You cannot take the pain out of writing, but you can lessen some of the grunt work and redirect your energy, and despair, elsewhere.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

The string tightened on my wrist and, to lessen the shock, I leaped across the crevice in the direction the giant had taken.

From "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell

Vocabulary lists containing lessen

Going Down: Synonyms for "Fall"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Chop Chop: Synonyms for "Cut"

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Road Trip Magical Mystery List A

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!