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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Ortner said the policies at the community college level are the strictest, and therefore, elicit more pushback from faculty. —

Calmatters, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024 According to Etsy, faux furs and velvets elicit a certain castle feel, perfect for the Harry Potter fan in your life (or someone looking to add some drama to their decor). —

Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2024 These subtle cues elicit faster responses to romantic signals compared to neutral expressions. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 In my interviews with New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and North Dakota Gov. Doug (soon to be Interior Secretary) Burgum, the interviews emotionally culminated in tears, because the authenticity of the exchanges elicited real empathy and vulnerability. —

Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elicit