educe

verb

i-ˈdüs How to pronounce educe (audio)
Definition of educenext
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) the gift of a puppy finally educed a response from the shy boy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for educe
  1. elicit
  2. evoke
  3. inspire
Verb
  • This is not something meant to elicit praise, surprise, disgust or a call from my gastroenterologist.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • That assessment is likely to elicit wide eyes and snarky responses across college football, but her case comes with an important caveat.
    — Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • Political Shifts And Policies: A Source Of Hope And Anxiety Simultaneously, new political policies, whether aimed at addressing climate change, social inequality or global conflicts, often evoke mixed emotions.
    — Novena Riojas, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Her female figures were large in their art-historical scope as well as in their scale, evoking not just the classical tradition but also canonical modernist works by Pablo Picasso and Willem de Kooning.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • Hong Kong’s relentless pace has inspired a wellness revolution where ancient rituals meet cutting-edge science.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • However, it’s inspired a trend that has been adopted by some of soccer’s biggest names — and sometimes, champagne isn’t even involved.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Definition of inspire
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.

Browse Nearby Words

educators
educe
educed
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Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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