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 All the segments understand the assignment, aiming primarily to elicit hoots and hollers. James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 Every bite elicits wonder, provoking a quiet moment of gratitude for this lush, miraculous habitat. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 Each room elicited an expletive, at least from my potty-mouth. Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025 The assassination of the conservative activist sent a shockwave through the American conservative movement, with Kirk’s sudden and public death eliciting emotional reactions from some of the country’s most prominent figures on the right. Elvia Limon, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
Verb
  • At its heart is the tradition of mezze, a luxurious spread of small plates designed for sharing, evoking both intimacy and abundance.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In the 1988 New Fashioned, a whiskey cocktail named for the year Vang’s family immigrated to the United States from the Thai refugee camp Ban Vinai, a stately ice cube is engraved with a geometric symbol evoking traditional Hmong embroidery.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Oysters inspired the researchers because of their remarkable ability to attach to rocks, bridge pilings, or even each other in the harsh underwater environment.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Odighizuwa said watching his mother’s struggles and strength inspired him to want to help others in the same situation.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicit. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elicit

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