as in evoked
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
the role elicited the actress's flair for comedy that previous directors had overlooked
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Recent Examples of elicited
Lueloff testified in Washington before the National Commission on Consumer Finance in 1972 about the matter, which elicited similar stories from women around the country.
—
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Tears streamed from the faces of many audience members, from the opening credits to the closing slate, a testament to the emotion elicited by Wilson’s persona.
—Ian Dille, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026
Depending on the viewer, the video elicited either admiration, outrage or existential hand-wringing.
—Holly Willis, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
The consolidation has elicited Armageddon-like emotions in the creative community.
—Dick Lippin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
If that version of the fable hasn’t aged terribly well, an item in The Wall Street Journal this week elicited a few nervous squeals from some the NFL’s TV partners.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The legislation elicited passionate debate from both its supporters and detractors.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 5 Mar. 2026
The war reverberates around the world The strikes elicited mixed global reactions, including angry protests, celebrations and calls by world leaders for a return to negotiations and peace.
—Brian Melley, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
More than 47 years later, the death of Khomeini’s successor, Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, elicited similar scenes of joy, with crowds in some areas openly cheering and dancing in the streets to mark the killing of a leader more feared than loved.
—Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Tears streamed from the faces of many audience members, from the opening credits to the closing slate, a testament to the emotion elicited by Wilson’s persona.
—Ian Dille, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026
Depending on the viewer, the video elicited either admiration, outrage or existential hand-wringing.
—Holly Willis, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
The consolidation has elicited Armageddon-like emotions in the creative community.
—Dick Lippin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
If that version of the fable hasn’t aged terribly well, an item in The Wall Street Journal this week elicited a few nervous squeals from some the NFL’s TV partners.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The legislation elicited passionate debate from both its supporters and detractors.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 5 Mar. 2026
The war reverberates around the world The strikes elicited mixed global reactions, including angry protests, celebrations and calls by world leaders for a return to negotiations and peace.
—Brian Melley, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
More than 47 years later, the death of Khomeini’s successor, Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, elicited similar scenes of joy, with crowds in some areas openly cheering and dancing in the streets to mark the killing of a leader more feared than loved.
—Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicited
Verb
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The Defense Production Act, evoked by Trump on Friday, gives the president broad power to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense or emergencies.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
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In past years, a lot of the materials used onstage have evoked a sense of luxury, with golden hues and sparkling accents.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Is there a more apt word than ‘inspired’?—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
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Leafing through last year’s Oscar issue, Homer French was inspired enough to paint an Oscar lying among the King Clone creosote, an 11,700-year-old plant considered one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.—
Michael Slenske,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elicited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicited. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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