1
as in reducing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in depreciation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in decreasing
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in diminishing
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the pain should begin to lessen within minutes of taking the medication
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3
as in weakening
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of lessening
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
While electrolytes are crucial for replenishing after a night out, some brands have taken it a step further, developing products that could impact how the body processes alcohol — whether via the gut or the liver — and in turn preventing or lessening the effects of the eventual hangover.
—Emily Burns, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024
When storms hit, sending surges as high as 15 feet onto the beach, these plants stabilize the dunes, limiting beach erosion and lessening potential flooding.
—Luena Rodriguez-Feo Vileira, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2024
These legislative actions prove Maryland’s commitment to lessening PFAS exposure across various sectors.
—Jonathan Sharp, Baltimore Sun, 23 Dec. 2024
Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure and stress levels, lessening the risk of cardiovascular problems.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Grant can take on tougher defensive assignments, lessening the load defensively for someone like Thompson.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
In other words, people may feel more satisfied after having a solid sweet, lessening the chances of sugar overconsumption and poor health outcomes.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 19 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, lessening winds and increasing humidity have helped firefighters make progress in the battle against the Franklin fire in Malibu.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
That bed of gravel allows rainwater to soak into the ground, lessening runoff, and a paver walkway is a good way to handle a slope.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
While electrolytes are crucial for replenishing after a night out, some brands have taken it a step further, developing products that could impact how the body processes alcohol — whether via the gut or the liver — and in turn preventing or lessening the effects of the eventual hangover.
—Emily Burns, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024
When storms hit, sending surges as high as 15 feet onto the beach, these plants stabilize the dunes, limiting beach erosion and lessening potential flooding.
—Luena Rodriguez-Feo Vileira, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2024
These legislative actions prove Maryland’s commitment to lessening PFAS exposure across various sectors.
—Jonathan Sharp, Baltimore Sun, 23 Dec. 2024
Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure and stress levels, lessening the risk of cardiovascular problems.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Grant can take on tougher defensive assignments, lessening the load defensively for someone like Thompson.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
In other words, people may feel more satisfied after having a solid sweet, lessening the chances of sugar overconsumption and poor health outcomes.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 19 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, lessening winds and increasing humidity have helped firefighters make progress in the battle against the Franklin fire in Malibu.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessening
Verb
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This could ensure more consistent calls, reducing the controversy often seen in high-stakes games.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Studies show these reforms—reducing minimum parking requirements, legalizing ADUs, and simplifying permitting processes—resulted in more housing.—
Adam A. Millsap,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Overall car sales are expected to drop as autonomous taxis reduce the need for personal ownership of cars, with a decrease in traditional revenues for automotive suppliers like Valeo.—
Sabbir Rangwala,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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But even with homicides down 20% last year, officials have struggled to explain the reason for that decrease, or the reason that nonfatal shootings and violence overall continues to be on the rise.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, as the FOMC has cut interest rates since last summer, that risk though material today, is diminishing.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
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The impact of diminishing water resources will not only impact drinking water but also sanitation and hygiene, hydroelectricity, crop growth and food supply.—
Dan Lambe,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The regulations, enacted by the Obama administration, prevented internet providers from degrading competitors’ services.—
Ian Prasad Philbrick,
New York Times,
3 Jan. 2025
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But Israel has drifted far from this vision, culminating in its current government’s outspoken goal of annexing the West Bank, while degrading the rights of Arab Israelis.—
Ben Krull,
New York Daily News,
29 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Her body is deteriorating in front of us, and yet my daughter and her vet say, if (the dog) looks happy, leave her be.—
Joan Morris,
The Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2024
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With the relationship between the two companies deteriorating, Qualcomm may have to consider using another architecture before its ALA expires in 2033.—
Jim McGregor,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Over time, that shortening can prevent cells from dividing, which increases the risk of disease or death.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC News,
1 Jan. 2025
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The same cap shortening has happened in soda and water The plastic lids for plastic soda pop and water bottles got smaller first.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA TODAY,
4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The diminution of Black Monday underscores the possibility – perhaps likelihood – that more coaching changes are coming down the pike.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA TODAY,
9 Jan. 2025
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Moscow, for its part, has already formed a quasi alliance with Beijing to expedite the diminution of Washington’s influence.—
Charles Kupchan,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Mar. 2021
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Cite this Entry
“Lessening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessening. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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