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
This intelligence can enable enterprises to craft recovery plans that focus on the highest-value technologies first, helping to lessen the overall impact when incidents occur.
—
Karthik Sj, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Infants under 6 months who are exposed to measles can receive immunoglobulin, antibodies that can lessen or prevent illness, up to six days after the exposure but ideally sooner.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
This could lessen the burden on condo owners who might have the ability to pay over time but can’t afford to take on a massive lump sum.
—Rebecca Liebson, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025
Having a backup plan or an emergency fund can help lessen the financial blow.
—Meagan Drillinger, AFAR Media, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Karthik Sj, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Infants under 6 months who are exposed to measles can receive immunoglobulin, antibodies that can lessen or prevent illness, up to six days after the exposure but ideally sooner.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
This could lessen the burden on condo owners who might have the ability to pay over time but can’t afford to take on a massive lump sum.
—Rebecca Liebson, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025
Having a backup plan or an emergency fund can help lessen the financial blow.
—Meagan Drillinger, AFAR Media, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
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While supporters say the profits from crypto could be used to reduce the nation's large debt, critics argue that crypto is historically volatile and a speculative investment.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
4 Mar. 2025
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The venue renovations have significantly increased hospitality and premium offerings with new pubs, clubs, restaurants and seating, while reducing the number of suites from 70 to 40.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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New York Open Data showed that certain types of delays, such as those related to braking issues, rail and roadbed problems and service delivery, decreased on the A line from September to December.—
Nic F. Anderson,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Most microplastics are made on land, where larger plastic debris degrades into tinier and tinier pieces.—
Sam Walters,
Discover Magazine,
7 Mar. 2025
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The other reason is that our news ecosystem is rapidly degrading, particularly online.—
Jeffrey Blehar,
National Review,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The absence of Ayo Dosunmu — who is dealing with shoulder discomfort from a long-term injury — further diminished the Bulls roster.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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The union, too, had diminished in strength and numbers.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In the fourth quarter of 2024, WK Kellogg reported net sales of $640 million, a decrease of 1.7% compared to $651 million in the same period in 2023, impacted by a 5.6% volume decline and a 40 basis point headwind from the weakening Canadian dollar.—
Joe Cornell,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Fed officials are closely monitoring inflation and the labor market for signs of a potentially weakening economy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Crime has since subsided, though its memory hasn’t.—
Aatish Bhatia,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2025
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The uproar surrounding the election has not subsided since that time, despite Ganim later winning two court-ordered re-do elections in 2024.—
Andrew Brown,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Read: The chaos in higher ed is only getting started The situation could deteriorate if current doctoral students start jumping ship.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
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So organs deteriorate while doctor after doctor rejects them.—
Brian M. Rosenthal,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Brands dilute their messaging to reach the widest audience possible.—
Angelique Kuiper,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2025
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While the absence of inclusion for people of color, women, and the economically disadvantaged remains painfully evident, true inclusion could potentially dilute the distinct cultural characteristics that have enriched our communities and our nation.—
Lewis M. Rambo,
Twin Cities,
2 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to lessen
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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