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 Last week's announcement even elicited rare rebukes from Republican lawmakers, some of whom are up for reelection in a few months. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 Steel asked after eliciting testimony that there were no convictions stemming from King Von’s death. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 Questions like this can help to elicit the teen’s own thoughts when planning a course of action. — Parents, 24 Aug. 2026 The same driver mutation, when introduced into different genetic backgrounds, elicited different responses in the circuits that govern whether a cell keeps dividing, specializes, becomes inflamed or dies. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicit
  1. evoke
  2. inspire
Verb
  • Depending on one’s vantage, the concrete behemoth evokes a spaceship or a naval vessel, an airport terminal or a bridge, maybe even a freeway overpass (very LA).
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This is a game laser-focused on fun, evoking that through smart puzzle design, cooperation, collectibles that are all tied to fun little minigames, and more.
    — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • Chelsea, despite missing out on a late move for Lamine Camara, and Tottenham have improved considerably, but that is more a reflection of previous dysfunction — and a lighter schedule — than inspired recruitment.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The museum plaza’s sweeping bridge creates a canopy of welcoming shade (inspired by Expo Park’s own trees), which the city — particularly this part — desperately needs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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