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

Petal Kaddu is serious about eliciting high fives from passing fans—and isn't deterred by the steady rain over Wembley Way, between Wembley Park station and the UK's iconic national stadium. —Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026

The defense also will not be allowed to elicit testimony about a fight at a club involving Pata, several of his UM teammates and gang members months before the murder, the judge ruled. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026

With a body of work that included film, TV and theater over four decades, Keller was known for the fluidity of his visual style and eliciting strong performances. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026

The foul called against Christian Braun with 90 seconds left in overtime Wednesday night elicited one of those from him, with the entire Nuggets’ bench behind him. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026

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