lessening
Gradually growing less
Lessening is a reduction or decrease in size, intensity, or degree.
The word works as both noun and verb form: a lessening of tensions between the two countries, The pain was lessening with each passing hour.
It suggests gradual diminishment rather than sudden disappearance.
Gradually decreasing in intensity
- dimmingDecreasing in brightness
- dwindlingProgressively becoming smaller
- ebbingGradually declining or receding
- weakeningBecoming less strong
withering · atrophy · receding · paling · subsiding · flagging · thinning · dissipating
Become or make smaller
- diminutionReduction in size
- declineDecrease or refuse
- dropFall or release
- loweringMoving something downward
cutback · shrinkage · contraction · downturn · decrement · dip · slump · fall
Easing of distress
- easingReducing strain or difficulty
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- comfortEase or soothing relief
- mitigationReduction of severity
amelioration · softening · tempering · cushioning · palliation · assuagement · moderation · dulling
Decrease or refuse
- degradationDecline in condition
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- erosionGradual wearing away
- worseningBecoming more severe
degeneration · slippage · regression · downslide · crumbling · rotting · rusting · corrosion
Restoring calm after conflict
- placationCalming hostile feelings
- mollificationAct of calming anger
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
- calmingInducing a settled state
quieting · reconciliation · soothing · defusing · smoothing over · making amends · compromise · satisfaction
waning
Gradually decreasing in intensity
- dimmingDecreasing in brightness
- dwindlingProgressively becoming smaller
- ebbingGradually declining or receding
weakening · withering · atrophy · receding · paling · subsiding · flagging · thinning · dissipating · evaporating
decrease
Become or make smaller
- diminutionReduction in size
- declineDecrease or refuse
- dropFall or release
lowering · cutback · shrinkage · contraction · downturn · decrement · dip · slump · fall · ebb
relief
Easing of distress
- easingReducing strain or difficulty
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- comfortEase or soothing relief
mitigation · amelioration · softening · tempering · cushioning · palliation · assuagement · moderation · dulling · lightening
decline
Decrease or refuse
- degradationDecline in condition
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- erosionGradual wearing away
worsening · degeneration · slippage · regression · downslide · crumbling · rotting · rusting · corrosion · spoilage
pacification
Restoring calm after conflict
- placationCalming hostile feelings
- mollificationAct of calming anger
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
calming · quieting · reconciliation · soothing · defusing · smoothing over · making amends · compromise · satisfaction · peacemaking
- cutbackscutback, cutbacks, decrease, layoff, reduction
- declinesdrop, decline, downtrend, downturn, downfall
- decliningdeclining, waning, fading, diminishing, decreasing
- decreasesreduction, decline, drop, fall, decrease
- downplayingminimizing, downplay, trivializing, belittling, soft-pedal
- Reduceshrink, diminish, decrease, reduce, lower
lesseningincreasing
Becoming greater in amount
growth · increase · expansion · enlargement · augmentation
lesseningintensification
Increase in degree
heightening · escalation · strengthening · acceleration · amplifying
less, lesson, least, lessen, lessons, lesser, lessened, lessens