lessen crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "lessen," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "lessen crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EASE: To make something less difficult or severe.
5 Letters
ABATE: To become less intense or widespread.
6 Letters
REDUCE: To make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
8 Letters
DECREASE: To become smaller or fewer in quantity, amount, or extent.
MITIGATE: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
More About "lessen crossword clue"
The clue "lessen" is a common one in crosswords, often prompting solvers to think of synonyms related to reduction, easing, or diminishing. Words like 'decrease', 'reduce', 'abate', 'ease', and 'mitigate' are frequent answers, each carrying a slightly different nuance in their application. Understanding these subtle differences can often be key to distinguishing the correct answer in a tricky puzzle.
This clue can appear in various contexts, from 'lessen pain' (mitigate, ease) to 'lessen a quantity' (decrease, reduce), making it a versatile term for setters. Always consider the overall theme of the crossword or other clues if you're stuck, as they might provide hints to the specific sense of 'lessen' being sought.
Mastering such versatile clues like 'lessen' helps build your crossword vocabulary and intuition, preparing you for more complex puzzles in the future.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by counting the exact number of boxes available for the answer. This is the fastest way to narrow down the possibilities for clues like "lessen" which have many synonyms.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from clues that cross your "lessen" answer, use them! They are often the definitive way to confirm which synonym fits perfectly.
- Consider Nuances of Meaning: While many words mean 'lessen', some are more appropriate for 'lessen pain' (e.g., EASE, MITIGATE) versus 'lessen a quantity' (e.g., REDUCE, DECREASE). Think about the broader context of the puzzle if the clue seems ambiguous.
- Think About Common Suffixes/Prefixes: Some answers might fit patterns (e.g., words ending in -ATE, -UCE). Keep an eye out for these structural clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for the 'lessen' crossword clue?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because many words are synonyms or have similar meanings. The correct answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle and the intersecting letters you already have filled in.
How do I choose the correct 'lessen' answer for my puzzle?
To pick the right answer, first count the number of blank spaces in your crossword grid for the 'lessen' clue. Then, check the answers provided here for that specific letter count. Finally, confirm your choice by seeing if it fits with any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues.
What if my 'lessen' answer isn't listed here?
While we strive for comprehensiveness, crosswords can sometimes use less common synonyms or specific contextual meanings. If your answer isn't here, double-check your spelling, the clue's exact wording, or consider if it's a very obscure synonym. You can also try searching for the clue with additional context from the puzzle.