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
Most of that gain came from months of work building a structured taxonomy for clause types, so the system had a consistent target to extract into. Eshaan Jain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026 The data extracted from the trackers are being analyzed, a slow process. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
This process extracts tannins, organic compounds in the fruit, into the liquid. Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026 Tea extracts may affect the body differently from tea made from tea leaves. Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • Ben’s view Even as European leaders press forward to centralize the bloc’s economy and invest in its shared security, the rising politics in Germany and France are pulling those nations in the opposite direction.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The Wildcats had three of their four takeaways in the first half to pull to a 21-point halftime lead and cruised to a 41-7 victory in Evanston.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • An exclusive excerpt published by Decibel centers on Cave In and the period surrounding the band’s breakthrough Jupiter, when major labels began circling.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The latest Piker rhetorical bomb El-Sayed had to dodge was the streamer’s assertion in an interview with Axios, excerpts of which were posted Thursday, that the United States is more of a fomenter of terrorism than al-Qaeda.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Her words, as if plucked from a Sunday morning sermon, speak to the source of her strength.
    Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Trump sometimes plucks memes from a sprawling ecosystem of online conservative supporters, and sometimes his government staff produces them as part of their official messaging.
    Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Brewers starter Dustin May gave up three runs and six hits before being yanked with one out in the third.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In recent conversations with The Athletic, two coaches with deep affection for their alma mater described having the Camp Randall rug yanked from underneath them.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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