lessen

verb

less·​en ˈle-sᵊn How to pronounce lessen (audio)
lessened; lessening ˈle-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce lessen (audio)
ˈles-niŋ
Synonyms of lessennext

intransitive verb

: to shrink in size, number, or degree : decrease
The pain will lessen over time.

transitive verb

1
: to reduce in size, extent, or degree
lessen tensions between nations
2
a
archaic : to represent as of little value
b
: to lower in status or dignity : degrade

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for lessen

decrease, lessen, diminish, reduce, abate, dwindle mean to grow or make less.

decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

Examples of lessen in a Sentence

Medication helps lessen the severity of the symptoms. we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even though the goal isn’t necessarily to lessen specific symptoms, that sometimes happens, Myrick says. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024 Some research has found that capsaicin, the active ingredient in spicy peppers, may help lessen symptoms of coughing.8 6. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024 This holiday, enjoy the season, celebrate your friends and loved ones and try to lessen your load on the environment. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024 Finally, ports could get hit if tariffs are increased and lessen the volume of trade. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lessen 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of lessen was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lessen

lessee

lessen

Lesseps

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lessen. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

lessen

verb
less·​en ˈles-ᵊn How to pronounce lessen (audio)
lessened; lessening ˈles-niŋ How to pronounce lessen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become less

More from Merriam-Webster on lessen

Nglish: Translation of lessen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lessen for Arabic Speakers

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