as in evokes
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 elicits
Having Martinez back at Citi Field this week elicits memories of that season, manager Carlos Mendoza said.
—
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Alice - Meaning noble, Alice also elicits feelings of magic and whimsy thanks—in part—to Alice In Wonderland.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, Houston Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
Viewers consume news that elicits strong feelings that people will keep coming back for.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Conrad is full of wordy comic dialogue that often sings in its idiosyncrasy but also elicits little more than a chuckle.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
New School Barbecue Barbecue elicits strong opinions—just see the comments on our annual Top 50 BBQ Joints list.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
So yes, seeing the Red Wings enter March in a wild-card position elicits some angst.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Alice - Meaning noble, Alice also elicits feelings of magic and whimsy thanks—in part—to Alice In Wonderland.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, Houston Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
Viewers consume news that elicits strong feelings that people will keep coming back for.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Conrad is full of wordy comic dialogue that often sings in its idiosyncrasy but also elicits little more than a chuckle.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
New School Barbecue Barbecue elicits strong opinions—just see the comments on our annual Top 50 BBQ Joints list.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
So yes, seeing the Red Wings enter March in a wild-card position elicits some angst.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicits
Verb
-
The movie’s antic humor evokes the international Fluxus movement of the nineteen-sixties and seventies, which made political arguments through outrageous absurdity.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Looking for a baby name that evokes beauty and glamour?—
Lydia Wang,
Parents,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Great cast members display an infectious enthusiasm that inspires visitors to want to get into their load row and onto that boat and sit down as swiftly as possible.—
Robert Niles,
Oc Register,
14 Apr. 2026
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Rohini Subrahmanyam,
Scientific American,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elicits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicits. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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