Synonyms for

Lesser

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

Definition

Lesser means smaller in size, amount, or importance than someone or something else.

Synonyms & similar words

more greater less smaller inferior minor secondary lower subordinate lesser-known lesser-used lesser-seen lesser-value lesser-known lesser-quality lesser-quantity lesser-amount lesser-degree lesser-grade lesser-rank lesser-status lesser-adept lesser-skilled

Synonyms by register

Formal

minor secondary subsidiary inferior

Informal

smaller lower not as much

Literary

humbler meaner slighter

Antonyms

greater more major superior higher larger principal

Common collocations

  • lesser extent
  • lesser degree
  • lesser known
  • lesser evil
  • lesser extent
  • lesser importance
  • lesser amount

Word family

adjective lesser
adverb less

Usage note

Often used in comparative contexts to denote something of lower rank, importance, or size. 'Lesser' is the comparative form of 'little'.

Example sentences

  1. The toy car is the lesser of the two toys.
  2. The lesser-known museum has some great exhibits.
  3. He chose the lesser option because it was cheaper.
  4. The lesser of two evils is still evil.
  5. She felt lesser than her classmates because she struggled with reading.

Quotes

  • The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark. - Michelangelo
  • The lesser of two evils is still evil. - Jerry Garcia
  • The lesser of two evils is still evil, but it is still the lesser of two evils. - Eugene McCarthy

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