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
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
This last part seemed to be a joke, eliciting a peal of laughter from his wife.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 3 Feb. 2026
In their quest for a new trial, Turners new attorneys took special aim at the prosecutors, accusing them of eliciting testimony that misled jurors about the origin of the tip, according to court filings.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026
Support for the project Despite the project being the subject of multiple Metro community meetings and eliciting thousands of remarks for and against various proposals, public comment was overwhelmingly supportive when Metro’s board approved the plan last week.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Ruiz posted about her return Monday on Facebook, eliciting many happy responses from viewers.
—Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
Oden subbed out for the remainder of the second OT but returned to the floor for the start of the third, eliciting the frantic reaction from Rice.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Over the course of several months, the officers arrested at least 112 people, their crowd control tactics also eliciting criticism from protest groups.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
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
This last part seemed to be a joke, eliciting a peal of laughter from his wife.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 3 Feb. 2026
In their quest for a new trial, Turners new attorneys took special aim at the prosecutors, accusing them of eliciting testimony that misled jurors about the origin of the tip, according to court filings.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026
Support for the project Despite the project being the subject of multiple Metro community meetings and eliciting thousands of remarks for and against various proposals, public comment was overwhelmingly supportive when Metro’s board approved the plan last week.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Ruiz posted about her return Monday on Facebook, eliciting many happy responses from viewers.
—Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
Oden subbed out for the remainder of the second OT but returned to the floor for the start of the third, eliciting the frantic reaction from Rice.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Over the course of several months, the officers arrested at least 112 people, their crowd control tactics also eliciting criticism from protest groups.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eliciting
Verb
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The historic snowstorm began Sunday, with snowfall rates accelerating upwards of 2 to 3 inches and wind gusts surpassing 30 miles per hour by early Monday morning, evoking travel bans on the road and forcing state governments from Maryland to Massachusetts to declare statewide emergencies.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Feb. 2026
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Directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes have a lot of fun with the concept, evoking the raw analog vibe of '70s television in all its charming yet unsettling glory.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Explore 21 inspiring nail looks for Pisces season.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
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And after sunset, watch the street performers put up awe-inspiring acts.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Eliciting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eliciting. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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