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
Like gallium, germanium is generally recovered as a by-product rather than extracted from dedicated mines. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 The perishable fruits and vegetables were long imported through the Strait of Hormuz to Saudi Arabia’s eastern coasts, now closed by dueling blockades and Iranian demands to extract tolls. Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
At its center is wild soybean extract fermented for a whopping 120 hours, a process that breaks down the ingredient's components and creates a lightweight, nourishing formula that smooths the look of skin texture and keeps excess sebum in check. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 Signature treatments harness antioxidant-rich wine extracts and oils, while the adults-only sanctuary features 14 treatment rooms, a vitality pool, sauna, steam room, ice therapy and an oceanfront fitness center. Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 4th House of Home, Family, and Emotional Roots, pulling your focus toward rest, privacy, space, or household needs.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • With a steam engine, the boat pulled heavy cargo between Budapest and other towns along the Danube.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The text consists of excerpts of a letter written by Pope Alexander II after William’s victory, and is currently housed in a Vatican collection.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, Markle shared an excerpt of her wedding speech, a decision that was seen as untraditional for British weddings.
    Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The streamer has found its leading lady for the biopic, plucking an unknown first-timer to play the sertanejo icon.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Just walk out the back door, pluck a warm peach off the tree, and try to think of a more quintessentially summer experience.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Participants will yank invasive plants to help restore the canyon.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In Berkeley, where California clay culture yanked ceramics out of the category of polite craft and into something huge, physical, ugly, and beautiful, Heilmann learned to weld.
    Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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