Synonym Chooser

How does the verb evoke contrast with its synonyms?

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

The synonyms educe and evoke are sometimes interchangeable, but educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When would elicit be a good substitute for evoke?

The words elicit and evoke are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can extort be used instead of evoke?

The words extort and evoke can be used in similar contexts, but extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

When is it sensible to use extract instead of evoke?

While in some cases nearly identical to evoke, 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 evoke Timed to the album’s multi-layered kick-off, physical orange doors began appearing in cities around the world — Nashville, London, Las Vegas, among them — each sporting QR codes that connected fans to brief travelogue-style videos evoking those locales. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025 The vagueness and disorientation are plausibly by design, meant to evoke the fracturing of Lisa’s sanity, perhaps. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025 The design evokes an ink pen sketch, and the natural patina only underscores the old-timey aesthetic. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025 Employing the term evokes a horrid history of institutional abuse against gay people. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evoke
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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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