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extract

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noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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
Listen to this article Seven-year-old Lucas Fuentes and his 4-year-old sister, Luna, were on hand Saturday morning to learn about extracting DNA from a strawberry. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025 Furthermore, Syria could demand regular base extensions from Russia, a far cry from that 49-year lease Assad bestowed, and extract other significant concessions. Paul Iddon, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
Research found that applying a skin serum containing apple stem cell extract significantly improved the look of the skin and delayed signs of aging. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025 It was then transferred to French oak Cognac casks that were seasoned with vanilla extract for ten weeks, creating a new range of flavors for the liquid to soak up. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • Some in the crowd sobbed as organizers played excerpts from Nasrallah's speeches.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Here’s the latest installment of the Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz — this time with excerpts and utterances from the week spanning Feb. 16 to 22.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
  • The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.
    Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 10 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • They were all plucked from Gerbi’s orbit of creatives.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Leaving the ‘Touch of Gold’ Holly in the planter, pluck out the cool weather annuals to make room for their summer-friendly counterparts.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • That insurance goal proved to be invaluable two minutes later, when Dougherty’s defenders yanked down a De La Salle player in the box on a set piece and were called for a penalty.
    Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But at the very end, the movie features a giant song-and-dance routine – a shout-out to traditional Bollywood – that a little-too-seamlessly transitions out of the final scene and yanks you out of a satisfying ending.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extract

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