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
Until they are instructed specifically to consider, for example, the need to acquire food, which suddenly elicits more original depictions than did complete freedom.
—
Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
At Republican events around the state, mention of Acton's name elicits loud boos.
—CBS News, 3 May 2026
At Republican events around the state, mention of Acton’s name elicits loud boos.
—ABC News, 2 May 2026
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
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
Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
At Republican events around the state, mention of Acton's name elicits loud boos.
—CBS News, 3 May 2026
At Republican events around the state, mention of Acton’s name elicits loud boos.
—ABC News, 2 May 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicits
Verb
-
Instead of looking at rooms full of stuff, Hawkins wants to create an experience that evokes reflection and thought on the first family.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
-
Every Kentucky Derby evokes emotion in the winning horse’s team, but the 1990 race brought it to a level even beyond a Hallmark movie.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
But what inspires me is the idea of putting something beautiful into the world.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elicits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicits. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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