Definition of extractnext
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

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
Page-management tools let users merge, split, rotate, delete, and extract pages. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 Polyester, by contrast, is made with carbon extracted from geological reserves. Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
It’s packed with skincare ingredients like peptides, vitamin B3, amino acids, and seaweed extract, which actively reduce fine lines and brighten your complexion during wear. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Composed of poetic extracts from interviews Kapla recorded with residents of a settlement deep in the Swedish forest, this book offers a collage of everyday gripes, lyricism expressed in everyday language, and unexpected glimpses of the sublime. The Week Us, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extract
Verb
  • Pratt fouled off Thornton’s first pitch and then pulled back his bat on the second one, a fastball right down the middle.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Washington has turned to pulling economic levers six months into a war on Iran that has ground to a stalemate militarily, with peace talks stalled and most traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz blocked.
    Tucker Reals, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The excerpt is taken, of course, from the first page of Wolf Hall, for which Hilary Mantel won the Booker Prize in 2009.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Lindsay Clancy described depression in diary, notes On the fifth day of the trial, excerpts from Lindsay Clancy's diary were read aloud.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Muir swivel chair in oxblood velvet feels plucked out of a Hollywood Regency–style boutique hotel lobby.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Even in high school, Lane could effortlessly pluck a ball out of the air with either hand.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The trooper grabs the man by his wrist and his dreadlocks and began yanking his upper body through the window, the video shows.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • As the man was unconscious, Slawson was accused of yanking the suspect out of the police vehicle, causing the man to hit and split his head on the concrete, the press release stated.
    Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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