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
Stern, who didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, had called the lawsuit a shakedown, accusing Kuhn of attempting to extract a hush-money payment from him and his production company. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Rather than burning coal for energy or converting it into fuels, the process focuses on extracting carbon-rich molecular structures that can serve as feedstock for advanced engineering materials. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Whole Foods Chantilly berry cake is defined by almond extract in both the cake layers and the frosting. Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Several companies already sell oyster extract supplements promising natural testosterone support and hormone balance. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • The upstart golf league has had its future in flux for months after it was revealed that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) would pull its backing for LIV at the end of this season.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The vibes are awkward all around, and things only get weirder when Emira pulls Georgia aside to chat.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Spotify and the Billboard Lyric Campaign Days before release, Grande partnered with Spotify to place unreleased petal lyrics on billboards in New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, with five excerpts personally selected by Grande.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit includes excerpts from recordings that the complaint says were captured over more than a week in which Matthew spoke about losing money, being sued and ending his life.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • The spa The on-site spa could never be a flashy, luxury spa plucked from any random resort.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • However, no amount of personal story can pluck out the thorn in our side that Janet versus Danny.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • But with the Supreme Court sanctioning a White House immigration crackdown, Nelson’s permission to stay in the country appears likely to be yanked within days, leaving French worried.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Karol then appeared to try deescalating the abrupt encounter, but she was yanked by the fan again before security escorted him from the stage.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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