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verb

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downsize - To reduce the size, amount, or extent of something.

Bill saved money by moving into a smaller apartment, and tried to downsize his lifestyle and live more simply.

adjective

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sporadic - Occurring occasionally or in scattered instances.

We had sporadic rain showers throughout the weekend.

verb

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scrimp - To be thrifty or parsimonious; to economize

Though Beverly and her husband didn't have large incomes, they scrimped and saved enough to send their children to college.

noun

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blip - An unexpected, minor, and typically temporary deviation from a general trend

The blip on the naval ship's radar indicated an approaching vessel, and the captain hoped it was a friendly one.

verb

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peek - Look quickly, typically in a furtive manner

Using his binoculars, Eddie was able to peek at the bird's nest in the distance.

noun

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shortfall - An insufficient amount of something necessary, such as funds or supplies.

Due to a shortfall in food supplies, the government had to provide food for the people in a makeshift meal on the street.

adjective

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mere - Barely enough or minimal — used to emphasize how small or unimportant something is.

The mere thought that the exam was the next day made it difficult for her to concentrate.

noun

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morsel - A small piece or amount of food; a mouthful

Calvin was so hungry that even a morsel of food would have satisfied him.

noun

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zilch - Having nothing

Seth wanted to buy a newspaper, but he had zilch in his wallet.

noun

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chink - A narrow opening or crack, typically one that admits light

From inside the cave, a narrow chink appeared that allowed a view of the outside.

noun

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niche - A small part of a larger whole that is particularly appropriate for the situation

Sam couldn't master all of physics, but he knew enough about his particular niche that made him respected among his colleagues in that area.

noun

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anecdote - A short, often funny story, especially about something someone has done

His son enjoyed listening to his father tell anecdotes about the travels that he did in his 20's.