LESSER Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

lesser

adjective

ˈle-sər

Definition of lesser

as in less

having not so great importance or rank as another it was the lesser evil of the two choices

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lesser In that earlier trial, three other members of the Oath Keepers were found guilty of lesser charges. — Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2023 Minuta, Hackett and Moerschel were acquitted of lesser charges. — Michael Kunzelman and Alanna Durkin Richer, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Jan. 2023 Upon its debut, the reborn Defender appeared both as the mainstay four-door 110 and the two-door 90—which is lesser in length but greater in charm. — Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 19 Jan. 2023 Prosecutors tend to settle for plea deals on related charges – pimping, pandering or money laundering – with lesser sentences. — USA Today, 19 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for lesser

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lesser

Adjective

In exchange for a lesser charge and freeing his mother, the perpetrator agrees to testify against the other two men, which ultimately leads to rape convictions for the two.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Lee-Kim said pandemic viewing, despite the disruption COVID brought to the industry, exposed audiences to films across languages and helped make language less of a barrier.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of less

Adjective

Despite those lower court rulings, the practice has continued nationally, said Gregory Chen, the senior director of government relations for the Immigration Lawyers Association.

— Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.

— Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024

Definition of lower

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lessens

lesser

lesson

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“Lesser.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lesser. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lesser

adjective

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