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

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
And there’s something offensively tawdry that all of this is in mere service of extracting rent. James Folta, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026 Sharon extracts the drama from the score as Yannick Nézét-Séguin conducts it; Nézét-Séguin aligns his interpretation with Sharon’s theatrical rhythms, and both have in Davidson and Spyres a pair of singer-actors willing to delve as well as deliver. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
Some research has shown blueberry extract can help sensitize cancer cells to the effects of radiation treatment. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026 Instead of rich coffee flavors, expect some zing from lemon zest, lemon extract, and lemon instant pudding mix. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • The film uses excerpts from the real emergency phone calls from 6-year-old Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl trapped in a car while under fire from Israelis in Gaza.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
  • This essay is an edited excerpt from the chapbook Jig, published in the Cahier Series (January 2026) by the Center for Writers & Translators at the American University of Paris, and Sylph Editions, London.
    Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This delicate top looks like it was pulled straight from Reformation or Doen’s website.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The blue Ford quickly comes to a full stop and Martinez is pulled from the vehicle and handcuffed by multiple officers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Carrel and company are all stellar and worth crowing about but plucking out a few side stories might well make this a smoother, more tonally consistent show.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • When not plucking away at a keyboard, Madison teaches yoga and mountain bikes with her two Australian shepherds, Cholla and Poppy, through Missoula's Rattlesnake Wilderness.
    Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This White House has also gone out of its way to slow or halt the development of solar and wind power, including multiple attempts to yank permits for offshore wind projects that have all been rejected by courts.
    Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Grand Rapids yanked Sherlock with 44 seconds to play, and the extra man paid off as Jameson Duell scored 15 seconds later to tie the game and send it into overtime.
    Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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