1.  A climate of acrimony and mutual distrust in the negotiations may have decreased the likelihood of an early settlement.

2.  Abortion opponents say the bill would reinforce parental rights and ensure that parents are involved, thereby decreasing the likelihood of abortions.

3.  Falling stocks help bonds by decreasing the likelihood that investors will abandon fixed-income securities in favor of equities.

4.  Higher-than-expected inflation suggests the economy is picking up steam, and decreases the likelihood of further interest-rate cuts.

5.  Investors said the reports decreased the likelihood of a rate increase by the Bank of Japan until the economy shows more signs of strength.

6.  Kern said the Italian and Swedish rate increases slightly decreased the likelihood that Germany would cut rates again.

7.  Punishment, therefore, decreases the likelihood that something will happen.

8.  Such a hole, he said, would cause an immediate and precipitous drop in blood pressure and decrease the likelihood of bleeding from other wounds.

9.  Stronger-than-expected economic figures decreased the likelihood that interest rates will be cut again in the near future.

10.  While this may terrify the cat at the moment, it will do little to decrease the likelihood that the cat will jump on the countertop tomorrow.