Question

choose the word or words that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank or blanks, best fits the meaning of the sentence. the politician hoped to silence the rumors through litigation; however, these lawsuits only ______ the rumors by giving them more attention. decried denounced regulated amplified dampened

Explanation:

The politician wanted to stop rumors with lawsuits but the opposite happened as more attention was given. "Amplified" means to increase or make louder, which fits as the lawsuits made the rumors more prominent. "Decried" and "denounced" mean to speak out against, which doesn't match the idea of the rumors becoming more well - known. "Regulated" means to control or manage, not relevant here. "Dampened" means to reduce or lessen, which is the opposite of what occurred.

Answer:

D. amplified