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
If cases of bird flu are found on farms with egg-laying hens, Dresner says the specific farm and the USDA work quickly to respond to the problem and recover the farm’s healthy chickens, which also lessens negative effects on the egg supply chain.
—
Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
But several weeks before this year’s parade was set to step out on June 30, the mayor’s office surprised organizers by dramatically shrinking its size and duration, saying the cuts were necessary to reduce police overtime expenses and lessen the impact on nearby residents.
—Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2024
Oswaldo Cabrera’s hot start helped lessen the blow of third baseman DJ LeMahieu’s broken foot, which kept him out for the first two months of the season.
—Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2024
Ways to lessen the chances of a hangover or the severity of one include:2
Drink slowly.
—Yuliya Klochan, Health, 15 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for lessen 
Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
But several weeks before this year’s parade was set to step out on June 30, the mayor’s office surprised organizers by dramatically shrinking its size and duration, saying the cuts were necessary to reduce police overtime expenses and lessen the impact on nearby residents.
—Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2024
Oswaldo Cabrera’s hot start helped lessen the blow of third baseman DJ LeMahieu’s broken foot, which kept him out for the first two months of the season.
—Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2024
Ways to lessen the chances of a hangover or the severity of one include:2
Drink slowly.
—Yuliya Klochan, Health, 15 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for lessen
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lessen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lessen. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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