Harshen and Lessen

Opposite meaning words

Harshen verb - To make more harsh, uncompromising, or severe.

Usage example: recent changes to the drunk driving laws harshen penalties for repeat offenders

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Lessen is an antonym for harshen.

Lessen verb - To make smaller in amount, volume, or extent.

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Harshen is an antonym for lessen.

Nearby Words: lessening, less

Cite this Source

Lessen and Harshen. (2017). Retrieved 2026, August 02, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/harshen/lessen

Harshen & Lessen. N.p., 2017. Web. 02 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/harshen/lessen>.

Lessen or Harshen. 2017. Accessed August 02, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/harshen/lessen.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "harshen" and "lessen" have occurred on timeline