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

Examples 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 Being around alcohol can elicit cravings, so try to minimize that desire to drink as much as possible. —

Malaka Gharib, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024 But rather than satisfying people complaining about censorship, the post elicited even more accusations that Musk was shadowbanning his conservative critics, or reducing engagement on their posts without officially disclosing such actions to affected accounts. —

David Ingram, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024 Kardashian posted a clip of the video on Instagram, eliciting strong reactions. —

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024 Some policing experts say that, properly used, the method can elicit truth from criminals who are lying. —

Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elicit