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

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
But by pairing it with domain expertise in archaeology and a creative research question, the team repurposed the technology to extract meaning from an object that had resisted interpretation. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026 Beethoven’s music improves Goethe, extracting its humanity and frailty, and Dudamel’s performance probed its profound inevitability of good triumphing over evil. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
How To Choose a Monk Fruit Sweetener If your goal is better blood sugar control, look for products labeled as 100% monk fruit extract. Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 16 Feb. 2026 Preparing ginseng tea Ginseng tea typically comes in a liquid extract, bag or powder. Pubsubhub User, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • IndieWire shares an exclusive new excerpt from the book, chronicling the earliest days of pre-production and what sounds like a truly bad screen test, below.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The White House hasn’t released SOTU excerpts yet, but an energy deal with tech companies building data centers and lots of America 250 also seems to be in the cards, as does the situation with Iran and the economy.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Other technologies that could be phased out include waste heat recovery systems that pull heat from the car’s engine to the interior, solar reflective surface coating and high efficacy exterior lights.
    Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • McIlroy got a four at the par-five first to pull even with the leaders, who both birdied it themselves 10 minutes later to move to 13 under.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The pool and hot tub setup look like they were plucked from an island retreat, set underneath palm trees and boasting a splash pad.
    Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Scheelhaase shifted to coaching at Illinois in 2015 and rose up the ranks at Iowa State under head coach Matt Campbell for six seasons before McVay plucked him from the college ranks in 2024.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But in late January, a cadre of federal workers yanked placards from the site’s brick walls in response to a March 2025 executive order from the White House that shunned complication.
    Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Last fall Kimmel was temporarily yanked off the air after ABC was threatened by FCC chairman Brendan Carr; last summer Colbert’s show was canceled, purportedly for financial reasons, right around the same time its parent company was seeking Trump’s approval for a merger.
    Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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