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.

“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

The U.S. now produces about as much oil and natural gas as it consumes, which has helped to lessen the damage from higher energy prices globally.

From MarketWatch

The change sought to reduce the amount of EtO released from commercial sterilizers by 90% and lessen the hazards for nearby communities.

From Los Angeles Times

Adam Sharp, representing Askari, said nothing could be said that could "undo or lessen the utter devastation" caused by Veisi's death and asked that the court consider Askari's "longstanding mental illness" when determining sentence.

From BBC

That lessens the likelihood the central bank will cut interest rates and, coupled with the recent jobs report, raises the prospect of “stagflation” — weak growth and higher inflation.

From Los Angeles Times

lessen

Example Sentences

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