as in evokes
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
the role elicited the actress's flair for comedy that previous directors had overlooked
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Recent Examples of elicits
But, as pointed out on Epicurious, the go-to website for foodies, the word elicits substantial reader backlash even when employed to describe chicken and cakes.
—
Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Having Martinez back at Citi Field this week elicits memories of that season, manager Carlos Mendoza said.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Alice - Meaning noble, Alice also elicits feelings of magic and whimsy thanks—in part—to Alice In Wonderland.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, Houston Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
Conrad is full of wordy comic dialogue that often sings in its idiosyncrasy but also elicits little more than a chuckle.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
New School Barbecue Barbecue elicits strong opinions—just see the comments on our annual Top 50 BBQ Joints list.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
So yes, seeing the Red Wings enter March in a wild-card position elicits some angst.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Having Martinez back at Citi Field this week elicits memories of that season, manager Carlos Mendoza said.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Alice - Meaning noble, Alice also elicits feelings of magic and whimsy thanks—in part—to Alice In Wonderland.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, Houston Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026
The, um, spin on one death elicits a smile, mostly because of Weaving’s disgusted takes.
—Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
Conrad is full of wordy comic dialogue that often sings in its idiosyncrasy but also elicits little more than a chuckle.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
New School Barbecue Barbecue elicits strong opinions—just see the comments on our annual Top 50 BBQ Joints list.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
So yes, seeing the Red Wings enter March in a wild-card position elicits some angst.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elicits
Verb
-
The film evokes Prada without being about the storied fashion house that has become synonymous with Milan.—
Colleen Barry,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The film evokes Prada without being about the storied fashion house that has become synonymous with Milan.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But what inspires me is the idea of putting something beautiful into the world.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elicits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elicits. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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