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

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.
Recent Examples of elicit The limited footage shown of an unfortunate Wings TV special from 1973 is more than enough to elicit second-hand embarrassment for all involved. Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 In the meantime, the House settlement could elicit more questions than answers. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Located at the intersection of Washington Street and Summer Street while servicing the Red and Orange Lines – Downtown Crossing elicits strong opinions from Bostonians. Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025 On that count, the interview was a failure, despite Blanche’s game efforts to elicit information. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
Verb
  • Currently on view is a solo show by artist Isabelle McCormick that blends oil painting and sculpture to evoke the virtual world in physical forms that question our relationships with technology.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The show’s winners got to use their real filmmaking chops to recreate a fake one, including Adam Newport-Berra, whose cinematography evoked the beauty the show’s comic characters were trying to capture.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Zaldivar said in an age where more people are turning away from their faith, the declaration of the young saints is inspiring to many Catholics looking towards the future of the church.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies came extremely close to being as epic as Mom’s, which inspired me to dive deeper into the archives to see if Barefoot Contessa had any other brilliant brownie recipes.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicit. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elicit

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