Caustic is to sting as is to

a. wry is to tickle
b. trite is to stun
c. pompous is to grab
d. curt is to embrace
e. judicious is to grip

this is incorrect

explanation:

this is false

answer: inference

explanation:

an inference can be understood as a conclusion to which a person is able to get based on reasoning. it is the same as a deduction, a guess, an assumption.   in the sentence presented, the conjunction "but" gives the readers an idea of contrast, and, therefore, allows them to induce that despite the opponent's characteristics, andrea had something different that made her win.