1. SANCTION   examine   approve   weaken gradually   moderate   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. RENOUNCE   slander   subdue   abandon   reduce in intensity   Half-n-half Clue   3. STUPEFY   slander   astound   respect   wet thoroughly   Half-n-half Clue   4. SUPPRESS   subdue   waver   astound   outdo   Half-n-half Clue   5. SQUANDER   abandon   exonerate   cancel   spend wastefully   Half-n-half Clue   6. SUBSIDE   reduce in intensity   exonerate   respect   reject contemptuously   Half-n-half Clue   7. VENERATE   outdo   prosper   slander   respect   Half-n-half Clue