Synonyms of extract

extract 1 of 2

verb

ik-ˈstrakt 

as in to pry

to draw out by force or with effort

extracted a splinter from my hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pry
• pull
• pluck
• yank
• remove
• uproot
• tear (out)
• prize
• take (out)
• wrest
• wring
• root (out)
• withdraw
• mine
• corkscrew

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insert
• install
• instill
• implant
• stuff
• jam
• ram
• cram
• wedge

extract

2 of 2

noun

ˈek-ˌstrakt 

as in excerpt

a part taken from a longer work

the anthology includes a long extract from the epic poem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excerpt
• passage
• quotation
• clip
• snippet
• sample
• citation
• context
• sound bite
• purple passage
• locus classicus
• selection
• longueur

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

Recent Examples of extract

Verb

Thus, hydrogen is potentially an incredibly clean energy source if it can be extracted and used without the carbon emissions typically associated with hydrogen production. —Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

The surprise selection is Cubert, a 12-year-old clone created from DNA extracted from a growth on Hubert's back. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Noun

Mushroom Coffee Mushroom coffee is a blend of coffee beans and ground medicinal mushrooms or mushroom extracts. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Mar. 2025

Nettle extract, made by composting nettle leaves and brewing them as a tea, has been used as an insecticide, fungicide, and miticide. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025