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
  • Trump’s new criticism of Putin is eliciting cautious optimism in Ukraine, where officials have repeatedly conveyed to the US president that the Russian leader is unserious about negotiations to end his three-and-a-half year war.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 July 2025
  • The latest tariff announcements from the White House have so far elicited a muted response from U.S. markets.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 July 2025
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • Particularly lovely is the jewel box bar, done up in a vibrant green that evokes snap peas and leafy trees on a summer morning.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
  • Their light and fresh tones evoke thoughts of sunny days and relaxed, vacation-ready style.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 13 July 2025
Definition of evoke
Verb
  • The Baxter Building The Baxter Building, the Baxter apartment, and Reed’s lab within it are very much inspired by the architecture of Saarinen and Niemeyer.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 July 2025
  • Billy Joel has written some of the biggest hits of his generation, some of which were inspired by his family.
    — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 26 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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