lessened; lessening
ˈle-sᵊn-iŋ 
ˈles-niŋ
: to shrink in size, number, or degree : decrease
The pain will lessen over time.
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
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
Federal pandemic funding has prompted dozens of cities and counties across the country to implement guaranteed income programs as ways to reduce poverty, lessen inequality and get people working.
—
Juan Lozano, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024
Although the energy major has deep ties with the country going back over 100 years, murky energy policy and tax hurdles have made its appeal lessen in recent times.
—Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 9 Apr. 2024
The increase in aid and the withdrawal of troops comes after President Biden called on Israel to do more to lessen the suffering in Gaza.
—Mansee Khurana, NPR, 8 Apr. 2024
Oiling prevents your cutting board from absorbing moisture, which lessens the risk of cracking, splintering, and warping.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The housing crisis of 2008 created a long-term impact on the nature of property ownership, causing many hopeful shop and label owners to stick to a strictly digital format that lessens the overhead of operating a permanent space.
—Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 26 Mar. 2024
Younger generations feeling less attached to driving their own cars could help lessen the demand for more parking space, Piccolo said.
—James A. Jones Jr., Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024
As artists calculate their carbon footprint for upcoming tours, GOAL venues and partners can provide numbers, as well as initiatives and proposals, to lessen a tour’s impact.
—Taylor Mims, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2024
Here’s what’s going on — and some steps homeowners can take now to lessen the blow.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
Juan Lozano, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024
Although the energy major has deep ties with the country going back over 100 years, murky energy policy and tax hurdles have made its appeal lessen in recent times.
—Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 9 Apr. 2024
The increase in aid and the withdrawal of troops comes after President Biden called on Israel to do more to lessen the suffering in Gaza.
—Mansee Khurana, NPR, 8 Apr. 2024
Oiling prevents your cutting board from absorbing moisture, which lessens the risk of cracking, splintering, and warping.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The housing crisis of 2008 created a long-term impact on the nature of property ownership, causing many hopeful shop and label owners to stick to a strictly digital format that lessens the overhead of operating a permanent space.
—Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 26 Mar. 2024
Younger generations feeling less attached to driving their own cars could help lessen the demand for more parking space, Piccolo said.
—James A. Jones Jr., Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024
As artists calculate their carbon footprint for upcoming tours, GOAL venues and partners can provide numbers, as well as initiatives and proposals, to lessen a tour’s impact.
—Taylor Mims, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2024
Here’s what’s going on — and some steps homeowners can take now to lessen the blow.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lessen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lessen. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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