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
Thankfully, there was a production guy beneath the stage who was able to help lessen the impact of the fall, while also helping him up.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
India is a crucial part of the company’s effort to lessen its reliance on China, where risks have grown along with Beijing’s tensions with the U.S.
Three of Apple’s suppliers—Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp., and homegrown Tata Electronics—assemble iPhones in southern India.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Asia, 29 Oct. 2024
This is how these natural disasters across the United States affect your wallet and some ways to lessen the burden.
—Cicely Jones, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Agronomists who have tried for decades to lessen reliance on synthetic chemicals understand that overuse of pesticides is rooted in more complex challenges, like community power dynamics, erratic weather, and labor shortages.
—Stephen Robert Miller, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lessen 
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David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
India is a crucial part of the company’s effort to lessen its reliance on China, where risks have grown along with Beijing’s tensions with the U.S.
Three of Apple’s suppliers—Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp., and homegrown Tata Electronics—assemble iPhones in southern India.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Asia, 29 Oct. 2024
This is how these natural disasters across the United States affect your wallet and some ways to lessen the burden.
—Cicely Jones, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Agronomists who have tried for decades to lessen reliance on synthetic chemicals understand that overuse of pesticides is rooted in more complex challenges, like community power dynamics, erratic weather, and labor shortages.
—Stephen Robert Miller, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lessen
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Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lessen. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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