1 lessen | Definition of lessen
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lessen

verb
less·​en | \ ˈle-sᵊn How to pronounce lessen (audio) \
lessened; lessening\ ˈles-​niÅ‹ How to pronounce lessening (audio) , ˈle-​sᵊn-​iÅ‹ \

Definition of lessen

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
2a archaic : to represent as of little value
b : to lower in status or dignity : degrade
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about lessen

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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

 The Asheville Citizen-Times reported a technical team launched boats on the river on Tuesday to assess potential hazards and to lessen risks associated with landslides. — USA TODAY, "Rare elephant calf, two-headed rattlesnake, another quake off Oregon: News from around our 50 states," 6 Sep. 2019 Only Congress has the power to charter competitors to Fannie and Freddie, a move that would lessen their systemic risk. — Los Angeles Times, "Trump’s Fannie-Freddie plan would end a decade of U.S. control of housing finance," 5 Sep. 2019 Not in projects aimed at lessening the risk of future floods. — Mike Morris, chicagotribune.com, "Recovery continues in Houston area 2 years after Harvey hit," 22 Aug. 2019 And changing up a few of your daily habits to lessen your risk could be well worth your trouble. — Maggie O'neill, Health.com, "Can Alzheimer’s Be Stopped? Here’s What the Latest Research Says," 15 July 2019 For now, the black bezels of the iPad Pros help lessen the issue a bit. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "Netflix updated its app to resolve an early annoyance with Apple’s new iPad Pro," 12 Nov. 2018 Eating these foods in conjunction with fats and protein (so, an apple with a smear of peanut butter) can also help lessen symptoms of bloat. — Colleen Stinchcombe, Woman's Day, "Why Am I Always Bloated?," 29 Oct. 2018 Meditate or pick up a mindfulness practice to help lessen the more acute symptoms of your anxiety. — Maria Kari, Allure, "Christine Blasey Ford Confronted Her Traumatic Past, Now I’m Confronting Mine," 1 Oct. 2018 Pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection alerts the driver and/or applies braking to help lessen or, better yet, prevent contact. — Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, "2019 Toyota Corolla five-door brings latest safety tech to the masses," 26 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lessen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lessen

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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More Definitions for lessen

lessen

verb
How to pronounce lessen (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of lessen

: to become less or to cause (something) to become less

See the full definition for lessen in the English Language Learners Dictionary

lessen

verb
less·​en | \ ˈle-sᵊn How to pronounce lessen (audio) \
lessened; lessening

Kids Definition of lessen

: to make or become fewer or smaller in amount

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More from Merriam-Webster on lessen

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with lessen

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lessen

Spanish Central: Translation of lessen

Nglish: Translation of lessen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lessen for Arabic Speakers

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