less 1 of 2

adjective

ˈles How to pronounce less (audio)
Definition of lessnext
as in lesser
having not so great importance or rank as another the restaurant's chowder has been declared the state's best by no less a person than the governor himself

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

less

2 of 2

preposition

as in wanting

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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 less
Adjective
Shortages of corrections officers result in greater restrictions on the movement of incarcerated people, who then have less access to health appointments, group therapy and other programming. — Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 But yeah, there was certainly less [socializing] than there’d normally be. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Preposition
Vance has since taken care to appear supportive of the president, if less so about the specifics of the war effort. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for less
Recent Examples of Synonyms for less
  1. lesser
  2. minus
  3. lower
  4. except
Adjective
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    — Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
    — Staff Writer Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
Definition of lesser
Preposition
  • The tests also showed that the cells could withstand exposure to temperatures ranging from 212 F (100 C) to minus 274 F without sustaining damage.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But there were 22 fewer Korean releases, and Korean commercial films averaged a return of minus 33% in 2025.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of minus
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
Preposition
  • At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.
    — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
  • The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.
    — NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020
Definition of except

Phrases Containing less

Browse Nearby Words

lesions
less
lessee
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Cite this Entry

“Less.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/less. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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