His critics found in the overt statements some hidden design.

The correct answer is C. covert.

Overt means open and obvious, while covert means hidden or secret. In this case, the critics believe that the speaker’s statements are not what they

seem, and that there is a hidden meaning behind them.

A. Converse means to talk or

discuss something. This is not the meaning that is intended in this sentence.
B. Pervert means to corrupt or twist something. This is not the meaning that is intended in this sentence.
D. Contrived means planned or arranged in an artificial or forced way. This is not the meaning that is intended in this sentence.