Synonym Chooser

How does the verb educe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of educe are elicit, evoke, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

In what contexts can elicit take the place of educe?

The meanings of elicit and educe largely overlap; however, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can evoke be used instead of educe?

The words evoke and educe 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 is it sensible to use extort instead of educe?

The synonyms extort and educe are sometimes interchangeable, but extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

When would extract be a good substitute for educe?

The words extract and educe can be used in similar contexts, but extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for educe
Verb
  • What better place to abscond to than your grandparents’ bougie house, a place where the mere mention of your mother’s name elicits automatic rage?
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
  • More to Read Student who elicited ‘F— the police’ from L.A. council candidate works for Kevin de León Oct. 25, 2024 Who was behind the City Hall audio leak?
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • An undulating roof will mimic Western Pennsylvania's rolling hills, while a wooden ceiling on the interior will include vast skylights, wooden beams designed to look like trees, and lighting fixtures meant to evoke starry constellations.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The fairy-tale forest evokes a little girl’s interpretation of the world, a garbled dreamscape of prohibitions and pleasures.
    Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • New patterns, inspired by Minassian’s own work, include large-scale rhythmic motifs that reflect his belief in creating versatile, impactful pieces suitable for any space.
    Sofia Celeste, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The realization inspires him to travel to New York to find his birth father.
    Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near educe

Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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