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
  • The measure elicited the strongest opposition from Republicans, who argued that even if the funds were private, the measure made use of taxpayer resources because of the work required by the Treasurer and his staff.
    — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
  • The survey elicited responses from 49 corporate executives from Fortune 1000 companies, some of whom cited pressure from the Trump administration and conservative activists.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • Smells that are linked to childhood often have the ability to evoke powerful autobiographical memories that define your understanding of yourself today.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The Knicks blew a 17-point lead in Game 1, leading Haliburton to evoke Reggie Miller’s infamous choke gesture in the Garden.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • On-site programming at Mountain Modern embraces Sedona's mystical vibes with crystal bowl sound baths, mindful meditation and breath work sessions, and ceremonies inspired by Indigenous traditions.
    — Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • Selling such toys violates a New York law inspired by police encounters that have resulted in fatalities because the guns, though harmless, look like actual firearms.
    — Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 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.

Browse Nearby Words

educators
educe
educed
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Cite this Entry

“Educe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/educe. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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