Lessen and Shorten

Lessen

Lessen verb - To make smaller in amount, volume, or extent.
Usage example: we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect

Shorten is a synonym for lessen in reduce topic. In some cases you can use "Shorten" instead a verb "Lessen", when it comes to topics like decrease.

Nearby Words: lessening, less

Shorten

Shorten verb - To make less in extent or duration.
Usage example: if Grandma has to go shopping today, you'll need to shorten your visit

Lessen is a synonym for shorten in cut topic. You can use "Lessen" instead a verb "Shorten", if it concerns topics such as diminish, reduce, decrease, make shorter.

Nearby Words: short, shortly, shortness, shortening

Common collocations

stress lessen stress shorten stress
amount lessen amount shorten amount
time lessen time shorten time
duration lessen duration shorten duration
Other words: bit, damage, pain, injuries.
Cite this Source
Shorten and Lessen. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/lessen/shorten
Lessen & Shorten. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/lessen/shorten>.
Shorten or Lessen. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/lessen/shorten.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "lessen" and "shorten" have occurred on timeline