as in to evoke
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
the role elicited the actress's flair for comedy that previous directors had overlooked
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Recent Examples of elicit
The surreal comedy elicited laughter throughout, but ultimately seemed to fall flat with the crowd.
—
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 17 May 2026
Rai put an exclamation point on his championship day with a birdie putt on 17 from nearly 70 feet, which only elicited a subtle fist pump from the stoic Englishman.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Near the end of the debate, co-moderator and San Francisco Examiner editor-in-chief Schuyler Hudak Prionas groaned as candidates talked over each other while trying to answer a question that was supposed to elicit a yes or no response.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
But for another group of Black women, the same question elicits feelings of insecurity and defensiveness.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for elicit
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 17 May 2026
Rai put an exclamation point on his championship day with a birdie putt on 17 from nearly 70 feet, which only elicited a subtle fist pump from the stoic Englishman.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Near the end of the debate, co-moderator and San Francisco Examiner editor-in-chief Schuyler Hudak Prionas groaned as candidates talked over each other while trying to answer a question that was supposed to elicit a yes or no response.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
But for another group of Black women, the same question elicits feelings of insecurity and defensiveness.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
Verb
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Strong, deep-rooted, living hundreds of years and towering skyward even as their massive limbs reach out expansively, these trees evoke awe.—
Joseph Bonasia,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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The album's title carries a layered meaning for the artist, evoking gratitude and grit in equal measure.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Verb
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While Kendrick Lamar was conquering the hip-hop world, Rashad was honing an introspective style inspired by Southern hip-hop pioneers like Lil Wayne and OutKast.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
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And, if bright white pants aren’t your thing, keep reading for off-white styles inspired by Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicit. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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