Select the correct option:
The new rules, though seemingly driven by fiscal necessity, were actually a covert move to __ dissent under “austerity.”

Question

Accepted Answer

1. The sentence says the rules were a covert move to __ dissent under 'austerity.'
2. **Quell** means to put down or stop something, like protests or dissent.
3. **Impugn** means to attack someone's honesty, not to stop dissent.
4. **Swell** means to grow or increase; it is the opposite.
5. **Rebut** means to argue against a claim, not to silence it.
6. **Therefore, _quell_ fits best.**

FINAL_ANSWER: a

Answer

Answer

Answer