The scientist's theory, while initially met with skepticism, eventually gained widespread acceptance, largely due to the ______ evidence supporting its claims.

✓ Correct Answer: Option A

To gain widespread acceptance after skepticism, the evidence must be strong and convincing. Both 'compelling' and 'irrefutable' (which would be option C, and both are correct choices for Sentence Equivalence, but here only one is the 'correct_answer' format choice) fit this meaning. 'Anecdotal' (based on personal stories) and 'spurious' (false) would not lead to acceptance.