Synonyms of extract

extract 1 of 2

verb

ik-ˈstrakt 

as in to pry

to draw out by force or with effort

extracted a splinter from my hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pry
• pull
• pluck
• yank
• remove
• uproot
• tear (out)
• prize
• take (out)
• wrest
• wring
• root (out)
• withdraw
• mine
• corkscrew

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insert
• install
• instill
• implant
• stuff
• jam
• ram
• cram
• wedge

extract

2 of 2

noun

ˈek-ˌstrakt 

as in excerpt

a part taken from a longer work

the anthology includes a long extract from the epic poem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excerpt
• passage
• quotation
• clip
• snippet
• sample
• citation
• context
• sound bite
• purple passage
• locus classicus
• selection
• longueur

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

Recent Examples of extract

Verb

The footpad cannot extract energy from chemically inert surfaces such as plastic, glass, soil, or organic tissue, prompting the team to add a small onboard supercapacitor to buffer power across dead zones. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026

The well-being of Palestinians should not be a bargaining chip used by Israel, or for that matter the Board of Peace, to extract political or military concessions from Hamas. — Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Noun

There is no gelatin, and the color comes entirely from natural sources like black carrot extract and apple, carrot, pumpkin, and blackcurrant concentrates. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 8 Oct. 2026

Its amino-acid complex helps smooth and strengthen strands from the inside out, while amaranth extract reinforces fragile hair and baobab extract helps improve elasticity and bounce. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026