abate (v.)

to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit

adulation (n.)

praise or flattery that is excessive

anathema (n.)

an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciaton (often used adjectivally without the article)

astute (adj.)

shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom

avarice (n.)

a greedy desire, particularly for wealth

culpable (adj.)

deserving blame, worthy of condemnation

dilatory (adj.) 

tending to delay or procrastinate, not prompt; intended to delay or postpone

egregious (adj.)

conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense)

equivocate (v.)

to speak or act in a way that allows for more than one interpretation; to be deliberately vague or ambiguous

evanescent (adj.)

vanishing, soon passing away; light and airy