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
Republicans themselves exploited a debt ceiling deadline in 2023 to extract cuts, notably in an IRS enforcement budget that was amped up by Democrats in the previous year. Tobias Burns, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025 In situations involving reverse mortgages, in which borrowers extract equity from their properties, federal rules mandate that borrowers meet with an independent housing counselor for a full explanation of what is involved. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
Along with these powerful ingredients, it’s formulated with honey, cactus extract, and ginger to soothe the skin. Sarah Han, Allure, 7 Jan. 2025 The brightening potion also contains poppy seed extract and ceramides to nourish the skin, while olive oil and shea butter provide overnight hydration. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for extract 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • This story was an excerpt from Axios Closer, a recap on the day's biggest business stories.
    Nathan Bomey, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
  • How Were These Text Messages From Baldoni Released? Lively's initial complaint included excerpts from thousands of pages of text messages and emails, which were the main focus of the Times article at the center of Baldoni's lawsuit.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
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
  • For Hodge, having to squat naked and pluck out her eye was nothing compared with what would follow.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
  • More than 750 northern tidewater gobies were plucked from a lagoon ravaged by the Palisades fire and transferred to aquariums.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As things escalated, the attacker yanked out a machete intending to attack his rival’s dog — but the victim stepped in to protect his pooch, cops said.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • However, Participant Media requested the festival yank the film from its lineup after learning that director Joseph submitted a new, secret cut to Sundance and other global fest’s without the media company’s knowledge.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near extract

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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!