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.

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

The researchers identified several practical steps consumers can take to lessen the environmental impact of washing dishes:

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 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 European Union and Mexico on Friday signed a deal reducing tariffs on each other's goods as both seek to lessen their dependence on trade with the United States.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

I thought that would help me and lessen the stress in my life, but it didn’t.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

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