extract 1 of 2

Definition of extractnext

extract

2 of 2

noun

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
Where the old model was built around extracting value from wildlife, the new model depends on protecting it. Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 About six months later, in March of this year, investigators received confirmation that a DNA profile was extracted from the remains. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Noun
In a microwave safe bowl, combine caramel sauce, rum, vanilla extract, 1 tsp. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 White chocolate chips add sweetness, and a hint of almond extract makes these blondies reminiscent of our favorite box cake mix or homemade yellow cake. Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
    Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 9 June 2026
  • Read on for more excerpts from our conversation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Go ahead and pluck away without the stress.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 10 June 2026
  • Elsewhere on the ruby red carpet, Greta Lee paid homage to beloved cowgirl, Jessie, brought to life by Joan Cusack in all five films, wearing a red and white spherical, one-shoulder gown plucked straight from the Christian Dior spring 2026 couture runway.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The announced attendance was a capacity 80,663, which is a little under 2,000 less than full capacity for the Giants and Jets as seats had to be yanked out down low to fit the regulation soccer field into MetLife Stadium.
    Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
  • An abrupt sell-off in once-soaring artificial intelligence stocks yanked Wall Street sharply lower, erasing five weeks of gains and knocking the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, Dow and Nasdaq into broad retreat.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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