Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

elicit

[ih-lis-it] / ɪˈlɪs ɪt /
VERB
draw out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bring out evoke extort extract obtain wrest wring
STRONG
badger bite bring cause derive educe evince evolve exact fetch milk rattle shake squeeze
WEAK
arm-twist bring forth bring to light call forth give rise to put muscle on put the arm on shake down
Antonyms
STRONG
disregard ignore miss neglect overlook
WEAK
cover hide repress suppress

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

From the first notes of its new single “Specter” — a brooding vocal workout for Sebastian that ended on pulverizing riffs — Bad Omens used cutting-edge tools and underground influence to elicit arena-rock catharsis.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

At the end, Ms. Coppola manages to elicit a suggestion that, during a difficult childhood, Mr. Jacobs would retreat to his room to build a fantasy realm as a kind of healing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

US President Donald Trump on Thursday startled Japan's prime minister by mentioning the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, a seemingly light-hearted remark sure to elicit unease in a country now a firm US ally.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

"I think it's important that we educate teens, parents, and teachers about how algorithms and social media might exploit our psychological biases to sow division and elicit violence."

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

And many people came to him— many to trade with him, many to deceive him, many to listen to him, many to elicit his sympathy, many to listen to his advice.

From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse