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extract

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noun

as in excerpt
a part taken from a longer work the anthology includes a long extract from the epic poem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extract contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extract are educe, elicit, evoke, and extort. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

When would educe be a good substitute for extract?

The meanings of educe and extract largely overlap; however, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When is elicit a more appropriate choice than extract?

Although the words elicit and extract have much in common, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can evoke be used instead of extract?

The words evoke and extract can be used in similar contexts, but 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 extort take the place of extract?

The words extort and extract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

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 extract
Verb
Consider Rosehip Oil Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of the wild rose bush. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025 Cold brew is a process: the act of gently extracting coffee at room temperature or lower, over the course of hours instead of minutes. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
Apart from beautification and preservation, such extracts are used for their healing abilities. Yinka Elujoba, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 Glycerin and panthenol help smooth and soften, while plant extracts like prickly pear support healthy-looking texture and shine. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • An excerpt from our conversation is later in this newsletter. ECONOMIC INDICATORS Last week was very good on Wall Street, especially compared with earlier this month.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • An excerpt from Jason Bailey’s new book Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend, published by Vulture and reviewed by Entertainment Weekly, recounts the casting process for the coveted part and delves into Chase's reservations.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
  • The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.
    Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 10 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • To a visitor’s eye, the light switch is nowhere to be found—that is, until a tintype photograph is plucked from a ledge near the front door to reveal a white plastic switch plate.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • More than 260 Southern California steelhead trout were plucked from their stream in the Palisades fire burn scar and moved to a different area, saving them from lethal debris flows.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Donald Trump is yanking federal funds from public media.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
  • Soon thereafter, starving, Cage yanks the dead rat from the ground and holds it to his teeth, about to take a bite.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extract

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