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
Verb
  • The plan is to raise most roads between six and 12 inches, but some particularly low-lying intersections would need to come up two to three feet — a figure that elicited a gasp from the crowd.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The supporting cast around them is more successful in actually eliciting laughs: Tatro is the film’s exotic-dancing voice of reason, Leanne Morgan plays Margot’s scene-stealing, raunchy older sister, and Celia Weston is a hoot as their tough-love mom.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Enlisting three actors with distinct styles — global ambassador Shu Qi, ambassador Yo Yang and actor Fan Wei — evokes emotional resonance across generations.
    WWD, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Who needs to land a helicopter onstage when innovative lighting and sound designers can evoke its arrival?
    Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The styles are inspired by 1960s Palm Beach, Fla., where Lilly Pulitzer was started, and features bold heritage prints and colors, but with a modern twist.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The World’s First Podcast originated in 2021 and inspired the podcast featured in Nobody Wants This.
    Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near educe

Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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