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
Pink granite called Ghiandone Limbara was extracted from the Sinnada quarry in northern Sardinia from the late 1970s to 2011. IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 Inside, piles of white fiber extracted from the plants’ leaves awaited combing, destined for everything from handbags to the shaggy chandeliers that have made Damman a rising design star. Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026
Noun
The buildable, glossy pigments are cushioned with shea butter, squalane, and passionfruit extract for long-lasting moisture. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 10 May 2026 La Mer doubles down on replenishing algae extracts here, thanks to their signature Miracle Broth and Shaping Ferment formulas. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • Audiobook excerpt read by Marin Ireland and provided by permission of Mariner Books, an imprint of William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
  • Here are some excerpts from that story.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • The weeds can be pulled, hoed or treated with herbicides that permit use near trees.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • The coach also pulled small groups of challenging students out of Lignore’s class to teach them social and emotional skills and helped Lignore make and consistently use behavior charts with her students.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The purpose was to attract buyers and visitors to a city that seemed to be plucked out of a storybook.
    Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
  • The rounds came and went, one linebacker after another plucked off the board in front of him.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Now, the Sentinel has learned, Florida is taking an inconsistent approach to cleaning up its mess, yanking the licenses of 47 nurses who attended schools cited by the FBI but allowing others to keep working, even when it has been alerted to their shortcomings.
    Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
  • On Tuesday, Carr tweeted that the FCC was wrong to yank an $886 million broadband-buildout award from SpaceX in 2022 on the grounds that Starlink could not meet speed requirements throughout its service areas and would cost too much.
    Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on extract

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster