The phrase "by less than" is often used to describe a small difference or reduction in quantity or degree. There are many synonyms for this phrase, including "slightly under," "nearly," "just shy of," "almost," "not quite," and "a tad below." Other options might include "marginally less," "fractionally lower," "minimally reduced," or "moderately decreased." These words can all be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a price reduction, a temperature drop, or a time frame that falls just short of a deadline. By using synonyms for "by less than," writers and speakers can add variation to their language and more precisely convey the extent of the difference or reduction they are discussing.