draw out

verb

drew out; drawn out; drawing out; draws out
Synonyms of draw outnext

transitive verb

1
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

Examples of draw out in a Sentence

the actor refused to draw out the interview any further
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The wider bowl lets the aromas open up, while the cooler temperature draws out the tea’s body and complexity. Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Advertisement By identifying a very large and inspiring opportunity in the future, leaders can help draw out the passion of the explorer among workers. John Hagel, Time, 22 July 2026 With the newly redrawn maps, many Black voters in parts of Palm Beach County, such as Pahokee, Belle Glade and parts of Riviera Beach were drawn out of District 20 and into white majority, Republican-leaning districts. Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Stories of outlaws have been crucial to drawing out the fullness and intricacy of that picture. Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for draw out

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of draw out was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Draw out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draw%20out. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on draw out

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster