educe

verb

i-ˈdüs How to pronounce educe (audio)
Definition of educenext
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) the gift of a puppy finally educed a response from the shy boy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for educe
  1. elicit
  2. evoke
  3. inspire
Verb
  • These initiatives elicited predictable backlash from musty corners of the Internet, where it was said that D.E.I. radicals were promoting mediocrities and trashing the canon.
    — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The Aggies elicited fouls instead of rejections and made 11 more free throws than the Aztecs – and won by eight.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • His verses evoke sacred rivers, fertile grounds and gardens bright with sinuous rills—a lyrical world beyond the inauspicious reality of its start-point.
    — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • These images evoke the landscape of the Marche region.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • The long-running Willock and Sax and Canada House galleries feature works by Canadian artists, much of it inspired by the mountain environment.
    — Cindy Hirschfeld, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The tailgate design was inspired by observing how people used their SUVs at events.
    — Jamie L. LaReau, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of inspire
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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