Synonyms
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
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, the foundation’s namesake, may be lesser known today, but his impact on the oil industry was significant.
—Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
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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
This 25-year-old whisky, which launched last year, is the oldest expression in the Isle of Arran lineup, a lesser known distillery that deserves your attention.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, the foundation’s namesake, may be lesser known today, but his impact on the oil industry was significant.
—Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lesser
Dictionary Entries Near lesser
Cite this Entry
“Lesser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lesser. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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
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