Definitions

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.

Lessen food waste by using frozen vegetables and proteins.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2023

“Whut you need two mules fuh? Lessen you aims to swap off dis one.”

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

Lessen it, as on last night, and the result is distressing.

From Sons and Fathers by Edwards, Harry Stillwell

Lessen de crops was in de grass moughty bad or somepin' else awful urgent, dere warn't no wuk done atter dinner on Saddays.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Georgia Narratives, Part 2 by Work Projects Administration

Lessen the quantity, even of these, below what your appetite would require, at least for a time.

From Vegetable Diet: As Sanctioned by Medical Men, and by Experience in All Ages Including a System of Vegetable Cookery by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)

Vocabulary lists containing lessen

Going Down: Synonyms for "Fall"

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Chop Chop: Synonyms for "Cut"

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Road Trip Magical Mystery List A

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