Examples of lesser in a Sentence
Adjective
The winner will receive $100; lesser amounts will be given to three runners-up.
A lesser man than he might have simply given up.
She agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
Recent Examples on the Web
Staff Writer
follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy.
—Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 31 Jan. 2023
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
One of the lesser known Sega Saturn classics is Assault Suit Leynos 2, and this new and fully translated version is an excellent tribute to that.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lesser
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
—Staff Writer
follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy.
—Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 31 Jan. 2023
Adverb
Parents worried the new accreditation, which wasn’t founded until 2023, will be lesser known and regarded by colleges.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
One of the lesser known Sega Saturn classics is Assault Suit Leynos 2, and this new and fully translated version is an excellent tribute to that.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lesser
Cite this Entry
“Lesser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lesser. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lesser
1 of 2 adjective
less·er
ˈles-ər 
: of smaller size or importance
lesser
2 of 2 adverbLegal Definition
lesser
adjective
less·er
ˈle-sər
: of less size, quality, degree, or significance
specifically
: of lower criminal liability
duress has been held a good defense to such lesser crimes as robbery, burglary and malicious mischief —W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr. Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share