1. weaken gradually   SUBSTANTIATE   UNDERMINE   TRUNCATE   RENOUNCE   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. examine   VILIFY   SCRUTINIZE   REPEL   VENERATE   Half-n-half Clue   3. approve   SUBSIDE   SANCTION   SATURATE   UNDERMINE   Half-n-half Clue   4. respect   VENERATE   THRIVE   SCRUTINIZE   SUSTAIN   Half-n-half Clue   5. outdo   SURPASS   SANCTION   UNDERMINE   SUSTAIN   Half-n-half Clue   6. shorten by cutting off   TRUNCATE   RETRACT   UNDERMINE   SUSTAIN   Half-n-half Clue   7. withdraw   VENERATE   RETRACT   THRIVE   SQUANDER   Half-n-half Clue