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
In 2016, experts tested the wine's quality by extracting a sample with a Coravin device, which uses a needle to pierce the cork without damaging it. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 Tehran, which wants ships to move along a route close to its shores and extract a transit fee, declared the entire waterway closed. Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 17 July 2026
Noun
This classic coconut cake has coconut extract, flaked coconut, and coconut shavings on the ingredient list, so there’s no shortage of flavor. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 Fortunately, the lather doesn’t leave your paws feeling dry afterwards, thanks to vitamin E, shea extract, and aloe. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • The captain, Giorgos Georgidakis, is pulling souvlaki off the boat’s grill while his niece, Sofia, passes me plates of spanakopita made by her grandmother to bring ashore.
    Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026
  • Both stocks posted record closes last week, before pulling back in recent sessions.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The excerpts come from Cooper’s March 19, 2025, deposition, which surfaced last month in a court filing by attorneys representing Drakeo’s family in a civil lawsuit against festival organizers and security contractors.
    Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
  • The list is eclectic, with films (and excerpts of films) ranging from documentaries on the history of cinema to avant-garde works by artists including Man Ray, László Moholy-Nagy, Stan Brakhage, Kenneth Anger, Mary Ellen Bute, and Jordan Belson.
    Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Alix Earle, and her younger sister Ashtin, have given the skinny brow trend their own proverbial thumbs up, plucking away their natural shape over the last year.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • The clip, plucked out of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, spread like wildfire through the digital landscape.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • In recent months, numerous automakers have yanked EVs from the market, delayed new arrivals, and canceled their plans to debut new EVs.
    Tim Levin, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • Normally, a pitcher with that pitch count who had given up just one run and two hits would not get yanked so quickly, but the Angels clearly had seen red flags during the previous inning.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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