1
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the pain should begin to lessen within minutes of taking the medication
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to degrade
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lessen
Some scientists and entrepreneurs are focused on dispersing sulfate particles in the stratosphere to block sunlight, which could lessen heating but also disrupt global weather patterns such as the South Asian monsoon.
—
Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Winds should ease beginning Tuesday, lessening the fire danger.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
The tariffs have been in flux as the Trump administration has sought to engage in trade negotiations with countries to possibly lessen their burden.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 14 May 2025
Porosity plus water holding capacity can be increased as well as lessening the potential for topsoil erosion.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Winds should ease beginning Tuesday, lessening the fire danger.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
The tariffs have been in flux as the Trump administration has sought to engage in trade negotiations with countries to possibly lessen their burden.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 14 May 2025
Porosity plus water holding capacity can be increased as well as lessening the potential for topsoil erosion.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
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With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2025
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Israeli forces are expected to continue their campaign to eliminate remaining Hamas leaders and degrade the group's military capabilities.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
-
Israel has significantly weakened Hezbollah over the past year, killing much of its top leadership and severely degrading its power through mass airstrikes.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
Verb
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But missing those goals doesn’t diminish the importance of potentially revising the target, for which the Paris Agreement includes a review mechanism, Stokes said.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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Growing same-store sales by 3%, fueled by an increase in customer transactions, in a three-month period marked by tariff uncertainty and weakening consumer sentiment is impressive.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
Verb
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So much oil got sucked out of the port and its neighborhoods that the ground started to subside, in some places yards deep.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
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There was a slight uptick in turnovers in the postseason, but that must subside against the Thunder.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Verb
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While more durable than the original Irish linen that encased the wings when the KC Eaglet rolled out of the factory on Aug. 12, 1930, all fabrics will deteriorate over time from exposure to the sun.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
21 May 2025
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Their mental health deteriorated, which reinforced the officer’s excuse to keep them deadlocked.—
Justyna Rzewinski,
New York Daily News,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Follow label directions to dilute the concentrate before spraying.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
-
Han and Li’s student-teacher relationship in particular is diluted and lacks necessary grounding, and there’s little compelling friction between the two masters to make up for it.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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