extract 1 of 2

Definition of extractnext

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
Olive oil is made by crushing olives and extracting their liquids. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026 Goodles noodles are made from a mix of wheat flour, chickpea protein, and wheat protein, plus a whole bunch of vitamins extracted from various veggies. Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
The extracts and response have come days before the European Championships in Sheffield, England this weekend and weeks before the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games running from February 6 to February 22. Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 To achieve her less-is-more results for one of entertainment’s biggest happenings of the year, Anderson used Sonsie’s Cleansing Mousse to rid her complexion of impurities while supporting the skin barrier with ginger root extract and healing bisabolol. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • Read excerpts from her interview below, which has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
  • You are completely immersed in the yearlong making of Disneyland thanks to excerpts from 100 hours of raw and rarely seen footage from the Walt Disney Archives shot by a team of cameramen tasked by Walt Disney to capture the construction of Disneyland.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Environmental justice and conservation advocates’ push to advance a bill aimed at strengthening California’s Environmental Quality Act stalled, as the measure was pulled from Monday’s hearing agenda.
    Chaewon Chung Updated January 12, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • McHale hosted from 2004 to 2015, pulling double duty during the latter half of his time there with his role as Jeff Winger on Community.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Mike Tomlin was an unknown when the Pittsburgh Steelers plucked him from obscurity in 2007 and handed the young and charismatic Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator one of the most stable jobs in sports.
    Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026
  • But Haise did lead Lens to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, finished one point behind PSG in 2023, and did, to pluck a one-off game out of the ether, oversee a 2-1 win over Arteta’s Arsenal.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Therefore Primate and its promising central character turns more into a typical slasher flick, repeatedly knocking off the swimsuit-wearing teens one by one, his specialty being yanking out jaws and other bloody grossouts.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Officer Alex Millan then yanked open the passenger door of the suspects’ car; at the same time, the car drove forward over the curb.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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