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
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
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts helped seal Philadelphia’s win on the final drive by converting a third-and-3 with a scramble up the middle, eliciting cheers from the crowd for the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 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, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
The hosts’ artificial fascination wasn’t quite capable of eliciting my own.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Trump has said Chicago and New York are most likely his next targets, eliciting strong pushback from Democratic leaders in both states.
—Jonathan J. Cooper, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
Based on May Cobb's novel of the same name, the debut season premiered last month and captured the zeitgeist for its sleazy, twisty fun, eliciting a ton of buzz online — none the more so than for Akerman's questionable wig.
—EW.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Each drug targets different brain systems, eliciting various responses.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025
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
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts helped seal Philadelphia’s win on the final drive by converting a third-and-3 with a scramble up the middle, eliciting cheers from the crowd for the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 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, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
The hosts’ artificial fascination wasn’t quite capable of eliciting my own.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Trump has said Chicago and New York are most likely his next targets, eliciting strong pushback from Democratic leaders in both states.
—Jonathan J. Cooper, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
Based on May Cobb's novel of the same name, the debut season premiered last month and captured the zeitgeist for its sleazy, twisty fun, eliciting a ton of buzz online — none the more so than for Akerman's questionable wig.
—EW.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Each drug targets different brain systems, eliciting various responses.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eliciting
Verb
-
Is the piece evoking what the writer wants?—
Beverly Gologorsky
September 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
-
But Season 2 kills off the older Galpins without evoking any fear from their dastardly plans or pity for their ultimate plight.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Zaldivar said in an age where more people are turning away from their faith, the declaration of the young saints is inspiring to many Catholics looking towards the future of the church.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Reynolds credited Bullock — and how the star handles her career and public persona — with inspiring him to overcome a difficult period in his own life around 2014.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Eliciting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eliciting. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share