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 teams left the field a couple minutes later, but the animosity between rival supporter groups continued in the stands with wild scenes of fighting that elicited a sizeable police response. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025 Under normal circumstances, that might not elicit more than a shrug. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 The Bidens have elicited some sympathy during these hard times. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025 But really, the movement was all south, carrying through the strike zone before dipping down to elicit silly swings. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
Verb
  • Smells that are linked to childhood often have the ability to evoke powerful autobiographical memories that define your understanding of yourself today.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The Knicks blew a 17-point lead in Game 1, leading Haliburton to evoke Reggie Miller’s infamous choke gesture in the Garden.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • On-site programming at Mountain Modern embraces Sedona's mystical vibes with crystal bowl sound baths, mindful meditation and breath work sessions, and ceremonies inspired by Indigenous traditions.
    Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • Selling such toys violates a New York law inspired by police encounters that have resulted in fatalities because the guns, though harmless, look like actual firearms.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicit. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elicit

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