Synonyms of elicit

elicit

verb

i-ˈli-sət 

as in to evoke

to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)

the role elicited the actress's flair for comedy that previous directors had overlooked

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evoke
• inspire
• raise
• reveal
• educe
• call forth
• get
• extract
• pull
• obtain
• gain
• extort
• procure
• wring
• expose
• wrest
• drag
• evince
• disclose
• uncover
• dredge (up)
• secure
• discover
• wangle
• divulge
• coax (out)
• unveil
• unmask
• bare
• uncloak

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• forget
• miss
• disregard
• overlook
• pass over
• neglect
• overpass

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elicit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elicit are educe, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When is it sensible to use educe instead of elicit?

The meanings of educe and elicit largely overlap; however, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When could evoke be used to replace elicit?

The words evoke and elicit 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 might extort be a better fit than elicit?

In some situations, the words extort and elicit are roughly equivalent. However, extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

In what contexts can extract take the place of elicit?

Although the words extract and elicit have much in common, extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elicit

But this is Vienna, not Pasadena, so… The first sight that greets a Playhouse upon lights going down is enough to elicit a very slight gasp from an audience. —Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026

Even Harbour’s physicality — the actor has put on weight and spends much of the show in ill-fitting attire or partially disrobed — is meant to elicit more than one response. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026

Trump told the men’s team during the call, eliciting laughs in the background. —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026

Dignity elicits dignity, gravity elicits gravity, and respect elicits respect. —Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026

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