Synonym Chooser

How does the verb educe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of educe are elicit, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

In what contexts can elicit take the place of educe?

The meanings of elicit and educe largely overlap; however, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can evoke be used instead of educe?

The words evoke and educe 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 is it sensible to use extort instead of educe?

The synonyms extort and educe are sometimes interchangeable, but extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

When would extract be a good substitute for educe?

The words extract and educe can be used in similar contexts, but extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for educe
Verb
  • The million-dollar reward elicited hundreds of tips.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • This question elicited markedly different responses among partisans.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Condon wanted to evoke a similar surprise by having Lopez's Ingrid Luna/Aurora go the same striking shade of blonde.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
  • These civic footings carry the architecture of socialist monumentality and New York sidewalks, evoking both town square and cemetery, utopia and capital.
    Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The evening's menu will be inspired by the time period and be accompanied by cocktails of the era.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The United Nations welcomed two new officials to the advisory committee for its Human Rights Council this week in a vote that did not inspire confidence in the humanitarian body.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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