Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elicit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elicit are educe, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When is it sensible to use educe instead of elicit?

The meanings of educe and elicit largely overlap; however, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When could evoke be used to replace elicit?

The words evoke and elicit 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 might extort be a better fit than elicit?

In some situations, the words extort and elicit are roughly equivalent. However, extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

In what contexts can extract take the place of elicit?

Although the words extract and elicit have much in common, 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 elicit The increase in viewership has been a mix of drama both in and out of the villa, not unusual for the show, which often elicits a lot of social media conversation and viewer interaction due to the voting element. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2025 Simulations can be run repeatedly, eliciting patterns where a sort of Venn diagram of commonalities across scenarios emerges. François Candelon, Fortune, 11 July 2025 The latest tariff announcements from the White House have so far elicited a muted response from U.S. markets. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 July 2025 Trump’s new criticism of Putin is eliciting cautious optimism in Ukraine, where officials have repeatedly conveyed to the US president that the Russian leader is unserious about negotiations to end his three-and-a-half year war. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
Verb
  • This rendition of the fan-favorite votive has a zesty citrus aroma with a gourmand twist that evokes buttery pumpkin, vanilla, and cinnamon notes.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2025
  • If only there was video evidence of Epstein, who died by hanging in his jail cell in 2019, denying Trump’s presence when around female minors, Oliver said, proceeding to play a clip of Epstein refusing to answer the question by evoking his Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 27 July 2025
Verb
  • The movie’s director herself was inspired to to bring this to life after having her own experience with matchmaking, but did the film accurately portray real New York City matchmaker experiences?
    Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Billy Joel has written some of the biggest hits of his generation, some of which were inspired by his family.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicit. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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