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.

These licensees could choose to lessen their reliance on Arm’s designs, though doing so would be difficult and require a slow, multi-year shift due to a lack of premium alternatives, Morgan Stanley said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

And some opponents of the term “functional cure” say it may lessen the urgency for achieving the ultimate goal: a complete cure.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

Mia, a year 11 pupil, said it would "help lessen the stress and stop the burden of paying £300 for a dress".

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“But the people that were more worried about the labor market—this should probably increase their concern, not lessen it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

“If he would be so good as to read to them, it would be a kindness indeed! It would amuse away the difficulties of her part, and lessen the irksomeness of Miss Smith’s.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing lessen

Going Down: Synonyms for "Fall"

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