1
as in reducing
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2
as in depreciation
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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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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
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
The salary cap is expected to increase by 10% this summer, thus lessening Hunter's cap percentage.
—Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
One focuses on boosting domestic manufacturing, which could be helped by a reversal of trade deficits and a lessening role of the dollar.
—Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Perhaps competition is lessening.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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
The salary cap is expected to increase by 10% this summer, thus lessening Hunter's cap percentage.
—Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
One focuses on boosting domestic manufacturing, which could be helped by a reversal of trade deficits and a lessening role of the dollar.
—Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Perhaps competition is lessening.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessening
Verb
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Research from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter competes for your attention, reducing focus and increasing stress.Maha Abouelenein, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
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This approach ensures employees feel included in the process, reducing fear and building trust.Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Instead of weakening, the civic movement gathered speed.Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2024
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The technical picture is weakening The stock's behavior is weak, as shown in the chart below.John S. Tobey, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Only 25% of new car buyers are considering an EV for their next purchase, a 2% decrease from last year.Anshuman Tripathy, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
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As the policy rate increases or decreases, variable mortgage rates are expected to rise or decline respectively.Reza Ghazi, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The area bounded by Vincennes, Terre Haute, Muncie and Kokomo saw a general eight to 12 inches with snowfall amounts diminishing to just a few inches northwest towards Lafayette.Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Dec. 2024
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However, as detection systems improve using things like quantum sensors, AI, and multi-domain networks, the effectiveness of such stealth measures is diminishing.Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Study © iStock Miniscule bits of plastic emanating from degrading garbage and tires may be causing serious respiratory issues and certain types of cancer, a new study has found.Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
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The company has been accused of degrading its US brands and failing to release more affordable models.Umar Shakir, The Verge, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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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
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Urban inequality, the housing crisis and deteriorating water access in US cities, Nature Cities.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Melt 1 1/2 cups shortening and 3/4 cup nut butter and mix with the dry ingredients.Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2024
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Kimball started tinkering with a basic snickerdoodle recipe that traditionally starts with sugar, butter, shortening, eggs, vanilla and cream of tartar.Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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That in turn pushes prices lower and causes a further diminution in liquidity supply.Kevin Coldiron, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
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The same diminution is currently happening to the composition of an opening paragraph with a clear thesis statement.Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Lessening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessening. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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