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.

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

From BBC

This has enabled Pyongyang to lessen dependence on its main long-term backer, China.

From Barron's

Since then, the stigma surrounding bargain stores has lessened for both customers and brands.

From Los Angeles Times

While staying the course with your investment program is likely the best strategy, you can take steps to lessen the risks inherent in today’s “narrow” market.

From The Wall Street Journal

This could include making staff redundant, or negotiating with landlords to lessen the burden of "onerous contracts".

From BBC

lessen

Example Sentences

Related Words