Synonyms for

Less

Verb / les / Another word for less — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Less means a smaller amount or not as much.

Synonyms & similar words

more toalesserextent le lupuserythematosus smaller fewer reduced diminished lower decreased minor limited scant modest slight inadequate insufficient lacking scarce short meager sparse abridged condensed

Synonyms by register

Formal

reduced diminished smaller

Informal

fewer not as much a bit less

Literary

scarcer waning

Antonyms

more greater additional extra further increased

Common collocations

  • less than
  • much less
  • far less
  • less often
  • less likely
  • less than half
  • less and less

Word family

adverb lesser

Usage note

Often confused with 'fewer' when referring to countable nouns; 'less' should be used for uncountable nouns (e.g., less water) and 'fewer' for countable nouns (e.g., fewer people).

Example sentences

  1. I have less money than my sister.
  2. There are less cookies in the jar than before.
  3. I need less milk in my cereal.
  4. It takes less time to drive to school than to walk.
  5. I have less homework today than yesterday.

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