EXTRACT Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'extract' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extract are educe , elicit , evoke , and extort . While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information. // extracted a confession from him

Q: When would 'educe' be a good substitute for 'extract'?

The meanings of educe and extract largely overlap; however, educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent. // educed order out of chaos

Q: When is 'elicit' a more appropriate choice than 'extract'?

Although the words elicit and extract have much in common, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response. // careful questioning elicited the truth

Q: When can 'evoke' be used instead of 'extract'?

The words evoke and extract can be used in similar contexts, but evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory. // a song that evokes warm memories

Q: In what contexts can 'extort' take the place of 'extract'?

The words extort and extract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly. // extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

extract 1 of 2

verb

ik-ˈstrakt

Definition of extract next

as in to pry

to draw out by force or with effort extracted a splinter from my hand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

extract

2 of 2

noun

ˈek-ˌstrakt

as in excerpt

a part taken from a longer work the anthology includes a long extract from the epic poem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb extract contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extract are educe, elicit, evoke, and extort. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

When would educe be a good substitute for extract?

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

educed order out of chaos

When is elicit a more appropriate choice than extract?

Although the words elicit and extract have much in common, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can evoke be used instead of extract?

The words evoke and extract can be used in similar contexts, but evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

In what contexts can extort take the place of extract?

The words extort and extract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

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 extract

Verb

The work embellishes the landscape with a new pond set in a faux archaeological site, out of which rise a series of clear columns housing soil ecosystems extracted from the grounds. —

Tina Rivers Ryan, Artforum, 14 May 2026 To extract energy, cells break down a glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules. —

Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 13 May 2026

Noun

The buildable, glossy pigments are cushioned with shea butter, squalane, and passionfruit extract for long-lasting moisture. —

Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 10 May 2026 La Mer doubles down on replenishing algae extracts here, thanks to their signature Miracle Broth and Shaping Ferment formulas. —

Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract

Noun

There are crew debriefings from Apollo 17 and Skylab, too, as well as other transcripts and/or audio excerpts from Gemini 7, Apollo 12 and Apollo 17.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 May 2026
An excerpt from our conversation is later in this newsletter.

— Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Definition of excerpt

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extra

extract

extracted

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“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of extract

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