The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word DIMINUENDO
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
I
M
I
N
U
E
N
D
O
More clues leading to the result DIMINUENDO
- Stupid aspersion in speech, gradually losing force
- Stupid suggestion heard for how lullaby’s to be played
- Notable decrease in volume
- Losing volume of stupid smutty jokes, reportedly
- Stupid slur reportedly losing force
- Musical instruction gets unintelligent one undone, confused
- Faint suggestion for audience becoming less loud
- Instruction to make less noise in bars
- Stupid suggestion, apart from one name, from 28 to 10
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "gradually losing force" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gradually losing force = diminuendo.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DIMINUENDO mean?
DIMINUENDO noun- A dynamic mark directing that a passage is to be played gradually more softly
- A passage having this mark
- (metaphoric) The gradual dying away of something.
- Describing a passage having this mark
- Played in this style