draw out

verb

drew out; drawn out; drawing out; draws out

transitive verb

1

: remove, extract

2

: to extend beyond a minimum in time : protract sense 1

3

: to cause to speak freely

a reporter's ability to draw a person out

Synonyms of draw out

• lengthen
• increase
• extend
• stretch
• drag (out)
• prolong

Examples of draw out in a Sentence

the actor refused to draw out the interview any further

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of the world, especially in developing Asia, is already suffering the consequences and the ripple effects will continue to spread the longer the war draws out. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026

Rattlesnakes, which are typically most active in spring and summer, appear to have been drawn out earlier than usual this year as the Southland experiences the hottest March on record. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Boston and director Weronika Tofilska (who helmed the premiere episode, among others) draw out the gruesome undertones of familiar nuptial tropes with a sly and twisted sense of humor. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026

However, Pack also said the interview wasn’t exactly a way to draw out the kidnappers. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for draw out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

draw out

verb

1

: to cause to last longer than usual

2

: to cause or encourage to speak freely

tried to draw the shy child out