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
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
Unlike past economic shocks to the system, such as the Great Recession or Covid, there will be fewer tools for the government to use to lessen the blow for businesses and consumers.
—
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
While supportive medical care can be given to lessen the effects, there is currently no cure for ricin poisoning, according to the CDC.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
It is designed to lessen government regulations on housing and incentivize state and local governments to ease land-use regulations.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2026
Clare Kelly, 1st, that aims to lessen the burden of property taxes for long-time homeowners.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lessen
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Kevin Williams, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
While supportive medical care can be given to lessen the effects, there is currently no cure for ricin poisoning, according to the CDC.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
It is designed to lessen government regulations on housing and incentivize state and local governments to ease land-use regulations.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2026
Clare Kelly, 1st, that aims to lessen the burden of property taxes for long-time homeowners.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lessen. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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