lessen suspicion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessen suspicion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or measures taken to reduce doubt or mistrust in a situation. Example: "To maintain a good relationship with the community, the organization took steps to lessen suspicion about its intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it would lessen suspicion if it subscribed to the newly tightened nuclear safeguards which would cost it nothing if, as it claims, it has no military nuclear ambitions.Iran is on the cusp of reformation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Improving accountability might lessen suspicions among South Sudan's deeply polarised communities, who are quick to view Unmiss as politically motivated.

The Guardian

Iran's "charm offensive" in the GCC had succeeded in lessening suspicions of some officials about the true intentions of Iranian policies.

The Guardian

Mary McAleese, a Belfast Catholic and Ireland's president, has spent much of her time in office trying to lessen loyalist suspicion of the Irish state.

The Economist

High similarity of Numts with mitochondrial genes not only increases the chance of accidentally amplifying the nuclear copy but also lessens any suspicion that the fragment isolated is not of mitochondrial origin, and thus has the potential to invalidate the conclusions of many studies.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

While the claims are remarkably detailed and will do nothing to lessen the clouds of suspicion surrounding Armstrong, direct evidence remains scarce.

Independent

Four hundred out-of-competition tests will be taken in Sydney before the Games even begin, and independent observers will monitor the testing to lessen long-held international suspicions that positive tests were often covered up.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems to bring out more flavour, but I also have the sneaking suspicion that it's served to lessen the overpowering smell of the meat.

Vice

The chief prosecutor, Thomas Haggstrom, lessened the legal classification of the level of suspicion to "reasonable" from "probable," but said the probe would continue.

The New York Times

There was also a growing worry Friday about how governments would find the $957 billion to pay for the rescue package, economists said, and a growing suspicion that central banks might eventually resort to allowing inflation to lessen groaning debt loads.

The New York Times

But with the phased withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, including the departure of combat forces from cities last month, much of the suspicion among the Iraqi public that the Americans sought to stay indefinitely has been cast away, lessening the urgency for a referendum on the issue, Iraqi lawmakers said Thursday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "lessen suspicion", ensure your actions are transparent and consistent with your stated intentions. This builds trust and reduces the likelihood of doubt.

Common error

Avoid claiming that certain actions will "lessen suspicion" if you cannot credibly demonstrate tangible results. Inconsistencies between promises and outcomes can amplify, rather than reduce, existing doubts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen suspicion" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "lessen" acts as a transitive verb indicating the action of reducing, and "suspicion" serves as the direct object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lessen suspicion" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe actions aimed at reducing doubt or mistrust. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where clarity and transparency are key. To effectively "lessen suspicion", ensure actions align with stated intentions, as inconsistencies can amplify doubt. Alternatives such as "reduce doubt" or "alleviate suspicion" can be used depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alleviate suspicion

Focuses on relieving or making suspicion more bearable.

reduce doubt

Emphasizes diminishing uncertainty or lack of conviction.

dispel mistrust

Suggests actively scattering or driving away feelings of distrust.

ease skepticism

Highlights making doubt or disbelief less intense.

allay fears

Centers on calming or pacifying anxieties that contribute to suspicion.

quell misgivings

Implies suppressing or subduing feelings of apprehension or doubt.

calm concerns

Focuses on soothing worries that might lead to suspicious thoughts.

soften doubts

Suggests making uncertainties less rigid or severe.

mitigate skepticism

Emphasizes reducing the intensity of doubt through specific actions.

defuse wariness

Highlights neutralizing a cautious or guarded attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "lessen suspicion" in a sentence?

You can use "lessen suspicion" when discussing actions taken to reduce doubt or mistrust. For example: "To maintain a good relationship with the community, the organization took steps to "lessen suspicion" about its intentions."

What are some alternatives to "lessen suspicion"?

Alternatives include "reduce doubt", "alleviate suspicion", or "dispel mistrust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "lessen suspicion" or "eliminate suspicion"?

"Lessen suspicion" implies reducing doubt, while "eliminate suspicion" suggests removing it entirely. The best choice depends on the context and whether complete removal of doubt is realistic or achievable.

What's the difference between "lessen suspicion" and "raise suspicion"?

"Lessen suspicion" means to decrease doubt or mistrust, while "raise suspicion" means to increase it. They are antonyms and have opposite effects on the level of doubt in a situation.