1/4" difference? Probably CAN not sure if it will weaken the silicone as it won't be as think there.
Then again...trying might drive you insane...but I know I've used smaller tubing on barbs before and just "worked them on" ... I think it was 3/8" to 1/2" but I'm fairly certain it was for a siphon or something "cool"
I have a 3/4" inlet on my pump. instead of getting a reducer (3/4 to 1/2) for my QD's, I thought I might just get a 3/4 QD ( for pump inlet ONLY) and stretch the 1/2" silicone over the barb...