Synonym Chooser

How does the verb educe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of educe are elicit, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

In what contexts can elicit take the place of educe?

The meanings of elicit and educe largely overlap; however, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can evoke be used instead of educe?

The words evoke and educe 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 is it sensible to use extort instead of educe?

The synonyms extort and educe are sometimes interchangeable, but extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

When would extract be a good substitute for educe?

The words extract and educe can be used in similar contexts, but extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for educe
Verb
  • The suit also alleged that two former deputy district attorneys elicited false testimony during Dorotik’s original preliminary hearing and trial, suppressed evidence that should have been disclosed to Dorotik’s defense attorneys and misrepresented evidence to the jury.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
  • For Gay, the political landscape at home has elicited some spontaneous reactions from strangers abroad.
    Terry Ward, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The trend captures a kind of affordable opulence, a desire to evoke the elegance of wealth without its cost.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Rather, Metropolitan evokes the youthful experience of being home, avoiding family, and clinging to friends during the holiday break, when responsibility remains over the horizon and your whole life is still ahead of you.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Nicole said her costume was actually inspired by a childhood friend, ironically named Taylor.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The reality star has been studying through an apprenticeship program in California and was inspired to pursue a career in the legal field, focusing on criminal justice reform.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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