For each blank select one entry from the corresponding column of choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

While she may have answered him truthfully—in the strictest sense of the word—it became clear to Sergei after the incident that Sheryl had actually been trying to _______.

a. Vituperate 

b. Obfuscate 

c. Illuminate

d. Covet 

e. Desiccate