GRE Vocabulary Builder

Answer: Choice (C) is correct.

In the first half of the analogy, mollify means to calm or soothe, not to enrage. So, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), to exculpate means the same thing as exonerate - to free from blame, or to acquit. In choice (B), to insinuate means to suggest something indirectly, while to bifurcate means to split or divide something. These words are not related, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), to inveigh means to protest strongly or to denounce. These are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), to quell means to subdue, or put down, which is the opposite of incite, which means to provoke.