as in evoking
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 eliciting
Volume is key for eliciting shock gobble.
—
Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026
But the expansion is eliciting opposition from landowners, conservationists, local officials, consumer advocates and even states.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026
Ten minutes in, the new pitch began eliciting whiffs, altering the conversation in the coaches’ room.
—Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
But indiscriminate strikes on civilians in the Gulf and the disruptions to global trade are eliciting a global reaction.
—Tareq Alotaiba, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Trump told the men’s team during the call, eliciting laughs in the background.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Similar to when the on-air incident happened in 2023, news of Kuiper’s return was a hot topic Wednesday night on social media, eliciting strong opinions in support and against Kuiper’s return.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
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
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
Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026
But the expansion is eliciting opposition from landowners, conservationists, local officials, consumer advocates and even states.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026
Ten minutes in, the new pitch began eliciting whiffs, altering the conversation in the coaches’ room.
—Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
But indiscriminate strikes on civilians in the Gulf and the disruptions to global trade are eliciting a global reaction.
—Tareq Alotaiba, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Trump told the men’s team during the call, eliciting laughs in the background.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Similar to when the on-air incident happened in 2023, news of Kuiper’s return was a hot topic Wednesday night on social media, eliciting strong opinions in support and against Kuiper’s return.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eliciting
Verb
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Yet Trump’s strategic air attack on Iran is evoking a torrent of vitriol from Democrats in Congress.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
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Remember how the heat rays wielded by the alien tripods in the great Spielberg-Cruise version of War of the Worlds burned their victims so violently that only little clouds of 9/11-evoking ash remained?—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That was beyond inspiring for Heeney.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Since its start, Operation Epic Fury has drawn scrutiny from the American public, inspiring anti-war protests across the country.—
Olivia Palombo,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Eliciting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eliciting. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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