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.

Interest in stablecoins is expected to further climb once the Genius Act takes effect in 2027, as the new guardrails lessen their volatility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Shoppers might want to consider a used electric vehicle at least to lessen the pain at the pump.

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

"I think this project can help lessen that stress and stop the burden of paying £300 for a dress."

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

He recovered possession of himself before the tourniquet was finished and loosened it immediately to lessen the danger of gangrene.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing lessen

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Road Trip Magical Mystery List A

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