Lessen and Stiffen

Opposite meaning words

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

Show all Definitions

Stiffen is an antonym for lessen.

Nearby Words: lessening, less

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

Usage example: plans to further stiffen the already onerous requirements for admission to the elite military unit

Show all Definitions

Lessen is an antonym for stiffen.

Nearby Words: stiff, stiffness, stiffly, stiffening

Cite this Source

Stiffen and Lessen. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/lessen/stiffen

Lessen & Stiffen. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/lessen/stiffen>.

Stiffen or Lessen. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/lessen/stiffen.

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