extract 1 of 2

Definition of extractnext

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

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

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 extract
Verb
She was pronounced dead after Orange County Fire Authority firefighters extracted her from the vehicle and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Michele Gile, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 Previous methods required researchers to extract proteins from bacterial mixtures containing thousands of other molecules, a process that significantly limited throughput. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
In a 2018 study, celery extract was shown to help reduce blood sugar levels, though more research is needed on the effects of celery juice directly. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 22 Apr. 2026 The scent, originally created by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier in 2017, is one of lemon, mandarin, and bergamot combined with tea extract. Anne Bratskeir, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Noun
  • The following excerpts of their conversations are lightly edited for clarity.
    Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Here’s the Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz, this time with excerpts and utterances from April 19 to 25.
    Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The only question was which lever Brown would pull to save his team’s season in the first round of the playoffs.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • All of which is great news for Adam Silver and everyone else pulling a paycheck from the league.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Orion capsule will be returned to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for additional study following the mission — but before it was plucked from the ocean, the divers managed to capture images of the capsule and its heat shield underwater.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Vikings also plucked Ryan Van Demark as a restricted free agent from the Buffalo Bills.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Spurs coach Mitch Johnson could’ve yanked him for the veteran Harrison Barnes.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Lindor, who has been the subject of criticism for his play thus far, yanked a shot into the seats, scoring Marcus Semien and Carson Benge — one of the few positives from this night.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extract. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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