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

• 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

This protracted and complex process, according to the think tank, means employers are all but required to grant temporary work visas (such as the H-1B) to their employees before securing a green card, further drawing out these waiting times. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

Instead of flattening the forms, the museum’s lighting scheme accentuates textures, drawing out the etched surfaces, gouges, and contours that make Giacometti’s work so tactile. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Broiling the pineapple gives it some nice caramelization and a little char to really draw out all the sweetness of the pineapple. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025

During the Cold War, negotiations between the Soviet Union and the United States over arms control were tortuous and drawn out because neither side trusted the other. —Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025

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