lessen
6 synonyms and 3 antonyms for lessen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something smaller in size, degree, or intensity; to reduce it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lessen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
lessen the risk
lessen the impact
lessen the burden
Etymology
From "less" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," the same pattern seen in "widen" and "deepen."
Full origin of lessen →Frequently asked questions
What does “lessen” mean?
The word “lessen” means to make something smaller in size, degree, or intensity; to reduce it. In plain terms, to make (or become) less, smaller, or weaker.
How do you pronounce “lessen”?
“Lessen” is pronounced LEH-suhn (/ˈlɛsən/ in IPA).
How do you use “lessen” in a sentence?
Here is “lessen” used in a sentence: “Regular exercise can lessen the risk of heart disease.”
What is another word for “lessen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lessen” include remit.
What part of speech is “lessen”?
“Lessen” is a verb.
Is “lessen” a common word?
“Lessen” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “lessen” have?
“Lessen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something smaller in size, degree, or intensity; to reduce it.
