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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 eliciting
Each of the three flavors (chocolate, coffee, and vanilla) fared decently in our taste test, eliciting no overtly negative feedback.
—
Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Across town, a waiter in a crisp white jacket at Osteria Serafina is tossing bigoli pasta in a giant pecorino wheel, old style, eliciting the same reaction.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Perhaps his best pitch of the night was an 0-1 slider to Max Muncy in the sixth, eliciting a double play to end the inning after giving up two straight hits.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Tuesday’s nearly five-hour discussion spilled into Wednesday morning, eliciting passionate discussion.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 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
Such vaccines could induce broader immunity than whole-virus vaccines by eliciting antibody and T-cell responses that target an even wider range of flu viruses.
—Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
While eliciting rave reviews, the project also added in cameos for the CEOs David Zaslav and James Dolan who were not, according to most film historians, present on the 1939 MGM set.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Across town, a waiter in a crisp white jacket at Osteria Serafina is tossing bigoli pasta in a giant pecorino wheel, old style, eliciting the same reaction.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Perhaps his best pitch of the night was an 0-1 slider to Max Muncy in the sixth, eliciting a double play to end the inning after giving up two straight hits.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Tuesday’s nearly five-hour discussion spilled into Wednesday morning, eliciting passionate discussion.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 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
Such vaccines could induce broader immunity than whole-virus vaccines by eliciting antibody and T-cell responses that target an even wider range of flu viruses.
—Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
While eliciting rave reviews, the project also added in cameos for the CEOs David Zaslav and James Dolan who were not, according to most film historians, present on the 1939 MGM set.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eliciting
Verb
-
In this Fixed Water sign, the sun pulls our awareness inward, evoking a desire for loyalty, intimacy and connection.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
While the décor favors blinking neon signs and vintage photos evoking Michigan’s status as the Motor State, lush landscaping and shady groves lend a feeling of seclusion.—
Melanie Haiken,
Outside,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Antarctica is one of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet, and an expedition cruise is a fantastic way to experience it.—
Ashton Palmer,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
-
But every year there’s a different theme inspiring the fantasy football teams.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Eliciting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eliciting. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share