Synonym Chooser

How does the verb educe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of educe are elicit, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

In what contexts can elicit take the place of educe?

The meanings of elicit and educe largely overlap; however, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can evoke be used instead of educe?

The words evoke and educe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

When is it sensible to use extort instead of educe?

The synonyms extort and educe are sometimes interchangeable, but extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

When would extract be a good substitute for educe?

The words extract and educe can be used in similar contexts, but extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

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 educe In 2013, the Serbian player Viktor Troicki was given an 18-month ban, which was later educed to 12 months, for declining a blood test at a tournament. Ben Rothenberg, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for educe
Verb
  • Trump's tariffs elicited retaliatory measures from some countries, including China.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • However, there was a clear exception in the responses of adults, where the toxic toads and very large frogs elicited much weaker responses than expected for their body size.
    Logan S. James, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 2018 the Met Gala’s theme used traditional imagery within religion and specifically Catholicism to evoke beauty and style through fashion.
    Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Traditionally, the process involves milking snake venom by hand and injecting it into horses or other animals in small doses to evoke an immune response.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • This is a great opportunity for communities to honor the country’s past, celebrate its present, and inspire its future through events and video storytelling.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Known for supporting individuals with autism — an effort inspired by his son, Jonathan — Eichenholz is using the house in part to support Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, which seeks to create housing for 500 people and 5,000 jobs to help adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
    Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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