Synonyms for

Lessen

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

Definition

to make something smaller or reduce the size, amount, or importance of something

Synonyms & similar words

decrease fall diminish increase subside minify decrease diminish reduce shrink cut curtail lower minimize mitigate moderate dwindle abate weaken attenuate slacken soften temper taper truncate downsize

Synonyms by register

Formal

diminish reduce decrease mitigate

Informal

cut down ease up tone down dial back

Literary

wane abate dwindle

Antonyms

increase grow expand intensify magnify augment amplify

Common collocations

  • lessen the impact
  • lessen the burden
  • lessen the risk
  • lessen the pain
  • lessen the severity
  • lessen the tension
  • lessen the effects

Word family

noun lessening
adjective lesser

Usage note

Lessen is often used with abstract nouns like 'impact', 'burden', or 'pain'. It implies a reduction in intensity or degree.

Example sentences

  1. I need to lessen the amount of sugar I eat.
  2. The rain helped to lessen the drought.
  3. I hope this medicine will lessen my cough.
  4. We need to lessen our use of plastic to help the environment.
  5. The teacher lessened the amount of homework because it was too much.

Quotes

  • The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. - Oprah Winfrey
  • If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. - Albert Einstein
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela

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