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
  • After going public together on social media, the pair have elicited strong reactions from people in their comments — some appalled by their age gap and others who quickly jump to their defense.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
  • For the Reds, who have not participated in the postseason after a 162-game season since 2013, the postseason berth elicited joy.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The mountains glowed with golden light, evoking a sense of enchantment and possibility.
    Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Other designs seen throughout the performance included the Cassia Annmac taking cues from the soft cocoon of leg warmers; the Cassiasticina evoking ballerina slippers and the Ruben style, the first Cassia creation in the men’s range.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The show gave local independent musicians exposure on its soundtrack, increased the popularity of venues like The Bluebird Cafe, inspired cast tours and years later, sparked reunion tours.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Trailers showing Erivo in full green-skinned Elphaba costume and Grande decked out in a sparkly pink G(a)linda gown have surely inspired new and old fans alike.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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