Definition of extractnext
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
Fraudsters, posing as Doherty recruiters, were sending fake job ads to individuals in an attempt to extract confidential information from job seekers. Bill Lukitsch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026 After following Thomson to the parking lot, Neil began rocking a van, as bystanders laughed and the hapless driver tried to extract his vehicle. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Noun
As for treatments, the menu is extensive, from a sound massage with Tibetan singing bowls to a detox session with a South American quebracho bark extract, and anti-ageing rituals to a pregnancy pamper. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The nutrient-rich formula features willow bark extract that is powerful enough to prevent flakiness and is effective at preventing inflammation. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • Eileen Tyrrell, a 27-year-old bookseller, pulled the cushions off her couch to arrange makeshift seating in her Brooklyn apartment.
    Grey Battle, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Many of the most popular school curricula now rely on excerpts.
    Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • Meghan filed the lawsuit after the Mail on Sunday published a series of stories in 2019 containing substantial excerpts of a personal letter Meghan hand-wrote to her estranged father, Thomas Markle.
    Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • In all, designing, building and assembling the horse involved a team of 45, not much less than the number of men on Odysseus’ ship (and roughly the same amount on board after the Cyclops and Scylla monsters had plucked off a few).
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 July 2026
  • This current year, though, feels like a regression, with a lineup that, bar one or two interesting choices, mostly feels like it could have been plucked straight out of 2015.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Then, five days after the best start of his young MLB career coincided with one of his worst moments, he was yanked after just 2 1/3 innings in Sunday’s 11-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Winco also yanked about 13,500 Roman Candles 8 Shot 3-Pack Firework Devices.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on extract

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster