Synonym Chooser

How does the verb evoke contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evoke are educe, elicit, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

In what contexts can educe take the place of evoke?

The synonyms educe and evoke are sometimes interchangeable, but educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When would elicit be a good substitute for evoke?

The words elicit and evoke are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can extort be used instead of evoke?

The words extort and evoke can be used in similar contexts, but extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

When is it sensible to use extract instead of evoke?

While in some cases nearly identical to evoke, extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

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 evoke When life events call for satisfying comfort food, try our Eggplant Parmesan to evoke warmth and tenderness. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Classical minimalism, meant to evoke modest virtue and restrained power, is a good style for a democratic state. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025 The satellite dishes are meant to evoke sound mirrors, the massive concrete structures that were placed all along the south coast of England between the World Wars as an early warning device in case of aerial invasion. Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 The ballroom and formal dining room evoke old-world refinement — perfect for hosting gatherings that spill out onto the terraces, where gardens and sweeping grounds provide a dramatic setting for summer soirées or intimate evenings. Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evoke
Verb
  • In the meantime, the House settlement could elicit more questions than answers.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Located at the intersection of Washington Street and Summer Street while servicing the Red and Orange Lines – Downtown Crossing elicits strong opinions from Bostonians.
    Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 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
  • Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies came extremely close to being as epic as Mom’s, which inspired me to dive deeper into the archives to see if Barefoot Contessa had any other brilliant brownie recipes.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Evoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evoke. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on evoke

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!