contradicted
Step 1: Understanding the sentence
The sentence states that the scientist’s theory was initially met with skepticism but later became very important.
Step 2: Analyze options
- repudiated means rejected — opposite of what is intended here.
- validated means confirmed or accepted — fits the context.
- circumvented means avoided — unrelated here.
- contradicted means opposed — opposite of what fits.
Conclusion:
The correct word is "validated," meaning the theory was accepted.