extract 1 of 2

Definition of extractnext

extract

2 of 2

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

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
And there’s something offensively tawdry that all of this is in mere service of extracting rent. James Folta, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026 Sharon extracts the drama from the score as Yannick Nézét-Séguin conducts it; Nézét-Séguin aligns his interpretation with Sharon’s theatrical rhythms, and both have in Davidson and Spyres a pair of singer-actors willing to delve as well as deliver. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
Some research has shown blueberry extract can help sensitize cancer cells to the effects of radiation treatment. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026 Instead of rich coffee flavors, expect some zing from lemon zest, lemon extract, and lemon instant pudding mix. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • The excerpt begins with a 1988 trip McDonough takes to Stewart’s home in Fort Pierce, Florida, and ends with the reveal of a shocking event that changes the course of his subject’s life.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
  • And from the excerpts, the reader learns that Hermia, too, is preoccupied with androgyny.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Not a second later, Mustangs senior Frank Psaute pulled from deep, nailed a triple, and nodded at David as the Mustangs cut Rock Canyon’s lead to five.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Then Liel Abada had a clean breakaway in the 22nd minute but pulled wide right.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Carrel and company are all stellar and worth crowing about but plucking out a few side stories might well make this a smoother, more tonally consistent show.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • When not plucking away at a keyboard, Madison teaches yoga and mountain bikes with her two Australian shepherds, Cholla and Poppy, through Missoula's Rattlesnake Wilderness.
    Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In other words, eliminating them from the animal kingdom would be like yanking an entire tier of Jenga blocks out of the middle of the tower.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The community backlash was swift as customers stopped going to the South End brewery and distributors yanked Sycamore products from shelves.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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