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
Then the knowledge transfers on its own, instead of being extracted from someone on their last afternoon in exchange for a gift. — Vikas Arora, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 OpenAI’s current Terms of Use prohibit users from using its output to develop models that compete with OpenAI, as well as automatically or programmatically extracting output from its services. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
Milbon, for example, formulates around pearl peptides, spring water algae extract and black truffle to repair and nourish. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 Gemi’s Hand Sanitizer Serum utilizes Korean skincare ingredients like cica and green tea extract to hydrate your hands while killing off bacteria. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • Achane’s replacement scored at the end of the third quarter pulled Miami within a score, making it 12-10 headed into the fourth quarter.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Like a matador swirling his cape, Patrick Roden-Reynolds pulled a swatch of white flannel this way and that on the grass and leaf litter in my yard.
    — Bob Drogin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The following excerpt is adapted from their new biography of Pope Leo, American Pope, out Tuesday.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Ahead of Swan Song hitting bookshelves on September 22, multiple outlets published explosive excerpts from the book.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • At their most basic, these may consist of just two elements, such as a stone and a sheet of raw steel—that is, an element plucked from the natural world and one of industrial manufacture.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Rice and Schlittler were both raised among Red Sox fans in Massachusetts and went to college in New England before getting plucked by the Yankees out of Boston’s backyard in baseball’s amateur draft.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Zabransky was the first person to reach Rabb in the end zone, yanking him into the air for a bear hug.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026
  • There’s also an ending that revels in a form of catharsis — for the audience watching the play, not the movie — before yanking that, too, away.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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