extract 1 of 2

verb

ik-ˈstrakt How to pronounce extract (audio)
Definition of extractnext
as in to pry
to draw out by force or with effort extracted a splinter from my hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

extract

2 of 2

noun

ˈek-ˌstrakt How to pronounce extract (audio)
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
Vacuum the Fan Use a vacuum fitted with a soft brush attachment for dusting to gently vacuum the fan, working the bristles into the vent openings to extract as much dirt, dust, hair, and other buildup as possible. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025 See it On the Isle of Skye in Scotland, researchers extracted fossils from a cliff, revealing a 166-million-year-old ornithopod dinosaur. — Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
Much like the worcestershire sauce hiding out in this banana bread recipe makes the fruit taste even more banana-like, the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules turn up the volume on the chocolate flavor. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025 The mangosteen and quince extract that helps plump up your skin and reduce the look of fine line and wrinkles. — Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
  1. excerpt
  2. pull
  3. pluck
  4. yank
Noun
  • An excerpt from our conversation is later in this newsletter. SOCIAL MEDIA Time is running short for TikTok to find a U.S.-friendly buyer.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The fully staged off-Broadway production features one-off songs, mini-musical revues and excerpts, performed in alternating solos and several ensemble pieces.
    — Kristen Tauer, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of excerpt
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
Definition of pull
Verb
  • Juwan Johnson, a 6-foot-4 open-space threat who Payton plucked undrafted out of Penn State in 2020, is re-upping for three years with the New Orleans Saints after constant buzz over a potential Payton reunion in Denver.
    — Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Hitchcock would have loved this beyond, given the sheer technical wizardry and skill of debuting 27-year-old Irish director Ronan Corrigan, who was plucked from a Black List-style program Bekmambetov founded called Screenlifers, designed to help emerging filmmakers in the format.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of pluck
Verb
  • President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada offended leaders there to the point that Ontario fired back by yanking American booze from store shelves.
    — Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Then along comes a project that yanks you from that shapeless sack of gloom.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of yank

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Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on extract

Nglish: Translation of extract for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extract

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