Final answer:
In the analogy 'assuage : contention :: eliminate : ?', the word that best completes the analogy is 'conflict.' This is because 'assuage' relates to 'contention' by reducing it, just as 'eliminate' relates to 'conflict' by completely removing it. So, the correct option is (a) conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
The analogy "assuage : contention :: eliminate :" can be completed with the word: (a) conflict. Assuage is a term meaning to relieve or ease, often used in the context of reducing tension or conflict. Similarly, eliminate refers to the complete removal or eradication of something, making (a) conflict the most fitting choice to complete the analogy. The completed analogy suggests that just as assuaging is related to lessening or soothing contention, eliminating is associated with putting an end to conflict. This form of analogy comprehension involves recognizing the relationships between words and selecting the term that maintains a parallel relationship in the pair.