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
In 2016, experts tested the wine's quality by extracting a sample with a Coravin device, which uses a needle to pierce the cork without damaging it. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 Tehran, which wants ships to move along a route close to its shores and extract a transit fee, declared the entire waterway closed. Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 17 July 2026
Noun
This classic coconut cake has coconut extract, flaked coconut, and coconut shavings on the ingredient list, so there’s no shortage of flavor. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 Fortunately, the lather doesn’t leave your paws feeling dry afterwards, thanks to vitamin E, shea extract, and aloe. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • But still, there were some observations to pull from Wednesday’s first training camp practice under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
  • Zelenskyy specified in his post on X that the parents of the kids were killed as well in the same attack, but two more children were pulled alive from under the rubble.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Spotify and the Billboard Lyric Campaign Days before release, Grande partnered with Spotify to place unreleased petal lyrics on billboards in New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, with five excerpts personally selected by Grande.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit includes excerpts from recordings that the complaint says were captured over more than a week in which Matthew spoke about losing money, being sued and ending his life.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Alix Earle, and her younger sister Ashtin, have given the skinny brow trend their own proverbial thumbs up, plucking away their natural shape over the last year.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • The clip, plucked out of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, spread like wildfire through the digital landscape.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • But with the Supreme Court sanctioning a White House immigration crackdown, Nelson’s permission to stay in the country appears likely to be yanked within days, leaving French worried.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Karol then appeared to try deescalating the abrupt encounter, but she was yanked by the fan again before security escorted him from the stage.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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