Step 1: Context: Theories lacked evidence initially, later supported, leading to recognition.
Step 2: Options: Tenuous (weak), Empirical (evidence-based), Spurious (false), Esoteric
(obscure), Ambiguous (unclear); Corroborated (confirmed), Bolstered (supported),
Enervated (weakened), Disparaged (criticized), Vindicated (justified); Accolades (praise),
Panegyrics (eulogies), Encomiums (tributes), Harangues (tirades), Elegy (lament).
Step 3: Tenuous (weak due to lack of evidence), Corroborated (later confirmed),
Accolades (awards) fit the progression.
Step 4: Others mismatch initial weakness, support, or recognition.