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
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 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • Including company inventories, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser estimated this week that more than 1 billion barrels have been pulled from stockpiles worldwide.
    — Heather Occhino, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • So strong was the Chicks’ commercial pull that their 2002 album Home—a trend-averse acoustic bluegrass album essentially recorded in secret—became a gargantuan hit, with two of its songs reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The following excerpt focuses on Wall Street, the film that emboldened Douglas to take the kind of risks many of his actor peers didn’t dare.
    — Michael Douglas, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Former president Barack Obama expressed surprise at Democrats’ expanding midterm map at a private fundraiser Wednesday night, but warned donors not to get complacent about the party’s chances, according to excerpts provided to The Washington Post.
    — Liz Goodwin, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The original number was 28,800, but Carolina Herrera designer Wes Gordon’s two children plucked a tulip each to take with them.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Four years later Fontaine plucked another future Hall of Famer, taking outfielder Tony Gwynn in the third round.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Every belt buckle looks freshly yanked off the rack; every speck of signage resembles something painted 45 minutes before filming commenced that day.
    — Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • One officer yanks him down to the pavement about 20 seconds later.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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