extract 1 of 2

extract

2 of 2

noun

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

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 extract
Verb
This is in stark contrast to society’s dominant systems that extract and destroy, as if the planet is one massive warehouse stocked with infinite resources. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 12 Dec. 2024 Charcoal samples extracted from the plaster nuclei of two of the cave pearls were dated to around the time of the Hellenistic period (332–63 B.C.). Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
Use dark chocolate, coffee extract, and chopped chocolate covered espresso beans for a coffee-forward fudge. Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024 The powerhouse plant extract is combined with 300mg of GABA, an amino acid known for producing a calming effect. Anna Haines, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extract 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • An excerpt from our conversation is later in this newsletter.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Read below for an exclusive excerpt from the preface of Inheriting Magic.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
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
Verb
  • Idiosyncratic boutique hotels are sprouting up, too, complete with creature comforts and artwork plucked from booming art scenes.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Trump is plucking several House lawmakers to serve in his administration, creating vacancies that will be filled in April or beyond.
    David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In another instance, footage shows the child was yanked to the ground so hard that her foot came up over her head.
    Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 8 Dec. 2024
  • When they get caught almost kissing at a pool party, the girl’s boyfriend yanks her away by the hair and screams at the both of them, only for the first girl to start beating him up.
    James Factora, Them, 4 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near extract

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on extract

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!