Synonyms of elicit

elicit

verb

i-ˈli-sət 

as in to evoke

to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)

the role elicited the actress's flair for comedy that previous directors had overlooked

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evoke
• inspire
• raise
• reveal
• educe
• call forth
• get
• extract
• pull
• obtain
• gain
• extort
• procure
• wring
• expose
• wrest
• drag
• evince
• disclose
• uncover
• dredge (up)
• secure
• discover
• wangle
• divulge
• coax (out)
• unveil
• unmask
• bare
• uncloak

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• forget
• miss
• disregard
• overlook
• pass over
• neglect
• overpass

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elicit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elicit are educe, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When is it sensible to use educe instead of elicit?

The meanings of educe and elicit largely overlap; however, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When could evoke be used to replace elicit?

The words evoke and elicit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

When might extort be a better fit than elicit?

In some situations, the words extort and elicit are roughly equivalent. However, extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

In what contexts can extract take the place of elicit?

Although the words extract and elicit have much in common, extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elicit

Their answers, though legally sound, elicited a furious backlash. —Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026

Other unexpected nominations elicited more shock mixed with excitement. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2026

Advertisement Such casual chatter about seizing sovereign foreign assets used to elicit alarm, then downshifted to a knowing eye roll. —Philip Elliott, Time, 20 Jan. 2026

In Venezuela, the demise of military officers elicited little sympathy, and that of Cubans even less. —Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026

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