ELICIT Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

elicit

verb

i-ˈli-sət

Definition of elicit next

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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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 clip has been viewed over a million times and elicited more than 3,000 comments, with many users celebrating parents who have become their adult children's best friends. —

Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Even the utterance can elicit groans of those who once loathed the feel of skin-tight denim all the way to the ankles. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025 One aspect of these raids elicits broad agreement: Their effect was to sow fear. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025 The plan is to raise most roads between six and 12 inches, but some particularly low-lying intersections would need to come up two to three feet — a figure that elicited a gasp from the crowd. —

Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for elicit