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
  • For the last few seasons, few brands have elicited a more emotional response to their shows than Chloé.
    — Irina Grechko, refinery29.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Another brand that elicited an aura of femininity through the creation of the romance on the runway was N°21.
    — Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • Frozen lakes and leafless trees evoke the myth of Persephone, in which a young girl is abducted by the god of death, and her mother, heartbroken, conceives another child, winter.
    — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Natural and Nurturing Colors Weitzner’s Fragrant Woods palette evokes the restorative power of nature by mixing leafy and mossy greens with earthy browns.
    — Rima Suqi, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • There's Potato Lab, a new Korean rom-com series, The Leopard, an adaptation of the Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa novel that inspired the classic 1963 from Luchino Visconti, Little Siberia, a Finnish disaster comedy, and Nadaaniyan, a quirky Indian romance.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • This could also be about a financial goal while others discover a hidden talent that inspires you to make a bold career move.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Mar. 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 13 Mar. 2025.

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