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extract

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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

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
The company claims that its groundbreaking carbon-negative electrolysis units also extract CO2 from water to create bicarbonates and can be custom-fit to meet the specific energy demands of our customers — big or small. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025 For years, researchers have unsuccessfully tried to harness these polypeptides’ antifreezing properties, but directly extracting the compounds from fish is simply too costly and not scalable. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
The end result here will be a natural, demi-matte finish and skin that remains hydrated all day (courtesy of the powder’s white tea extract and other moisture-infusing ingredients). Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 The mascara comes with a flexible brush that bends to extend your lashes, and it’s formulated with bamboo extract and other ingredients that volumize and hydrate your lashes. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • In an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE, twin sisters Isabella and Sophia Strahan grabbed hearts everywhere when Isabella, at 19, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Bank Of Dave star Kinnear’s reading will focus on ‘The Rest Of Our Lives’ by Ben Markovits, while an excerpt from ‘The Land In Winter’ will be read by singer-songwriter Arlo Parks.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • But institutional gravity is already starting to pull the two organizations together.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With the Giants plucking concepts from Ole Miss’ offense, Dart’s comfort level was obvious.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Tradition meets contemporary design with this sculptural vessel that looks like it was plucked from a contemporary art exhibition.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • They are accused of yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet from the wall, and crawling through a hole to flee.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Imanaga allowed a second blast, a solo shot to catcher William Contreras, and was yanked from the game following the third inning.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on extract

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