elicit

verb

i-ˈli-sət How to pronounce elicit (audio)
Definition of elicitnext
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

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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

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 elicit The timing of the search also elicited pushback from Democrats as the Justice Department typically avoids taking major investigative actions like the execution of a warrant within 60 days of an election. — Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2026 The plans laid out by the founder of the Gaza Children Village in a webinar last month have elicited ethical, safety and privacy concerns from some Palestinian and advocacy groups and at least one of the charity's partners. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 Musk's comment against Ambani caused a political stir in India, eliciting a response from India's leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi, who has consistently alleged that the government is being influenced by powerful businessmen in India. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 Unsurprisingly, the new regulation promptly elicited a lawsuit from California, 20 other states, the District of Columbia and from cities and counties. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
  1. evoke
  2. inspire
Verb
  • Sivan is good at evoking loneliness through imagery, but not always the best at inhabiting it.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
  • While many of the more contentious and controversial aspects of his life are presented in one-sided fashion, friend and former manager Rory Holloway’s still-raw sense of betrayal at Tyson firing his entire team is evoked with vivid irritation.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • All inspired by Rise & Fall’s signature knitwear and outerwear, the designs recast the language of clothing in sculptural forms, bringing together the softness of textiles and the presence of jewelry.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • We were inspired from how many great discoveries that went on to revolutionize science and medicine came about from looking around in nature and finding these odd things—PCR [polymerase chain reaction] tests, for example, or CRISPR.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of inspire

Browse Nearby Words

elfish
elicit
elicited
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Cite this Entry

“Elicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicit. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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