1. DIMINUTION   procrastination   ease   validity   appreciation   expectation   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. CRUX   trivial point   belief   increase   focus   implement   Half-n-half Clue   3. ANIMUS   gentle   favor   graceful   grimace   brutal   Half-n-half Clue   4. CATEGORICAL   denial   qualified   ironic   refutation   negative   Half-n-half Clue   5. CANDID   vague   secretive   absorbing   inexperienced   impossible   Half-n-half Clue   6. ENERVATE   balance   arrange   strengthen   calm   quicken   Half-n-half Clue   7. ANATHEMATIZE   deceive   apologize   bless   antagonize   anesthetize   Half-n-half Clue