evoke

verb

i-ˈvōk How to pronounce evoke (audio)
Definition of evokenext
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) the old family photographs we found in the attic evoked a wealth of warm memories

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb evoke contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evoke are educe, elicit, extort, and extract. While all these words mean "to draw out something hidden, latent, or reserved," evoke implies a strong stimulus that arouses an emotion or an interest or recalls an image or memory.

a song that evokes warm memories

In what contexts can educe take the place of evoke?

The synonyms educe and evoke are sometimes interchangeable, but educe implies the bringing out of something potential or latent.

educed order out of chaos

When would elicit be a good substitute for evoke?

The words elicit and evoke are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elicit usually implies some effort or skill in drawing forth a response.

careful questioning elicited the truth

When can extort be used instead of evoke?

The words extort and evoke can be used in similar contexts, but extort suggests a wringing or wresting from one who resists strongly.

extorted their cooperation by threatening to inform

When is it sensible to use extract instead of evoke?

While in some cases nearly identical to evoke, extract implies the use of force or pressure in obtaining answers or information.

extracted a confession from him

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of evoke Chester Walsh, a 29-year-old prop maker who resides in England, spent three months building a spaceship in the garden of his Northamptonshire home, meticulously crafting it to evoke the beloved sci-fi franchise. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 Far from the first standoff In more recent history, no name evokes such tensions more than the Bundy family, Nevada ranchers who twice squared off with the federal government in armed confrontations. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2026 An economy that stretches to Haiti For Jean-Marie Denis, the Haitian writer and Little Haiti cultural activist better known by his pen name, Jan Mapou, the withdrawal of Haitians from public life evokes something from Haiti’s past. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026 The incident also evoked a potentially telling reaction from Alexander Sosnowski, a pro-Kremlin propagandist who regularly appears as a guest on Russian state television. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evoke
  1. elicit
  2. inspire
Verb
  • Shea Whigham provides exceptional levels of Shea Whigham-ness as a friendly federal agent (and ex-client) whose health issues elicit deeper conversations than their professional obligations require.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Over the ensuing decade, the plans continued to elicit debate and controversy, pitting supporters of the commission’s vision against members of Congress, railroad interests and real estate developers.
    — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • My intent was to inspire him to think about how family events are really important.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • And with The Odyssey putting Homer's world back into the pop-culture spotlight, travelers inspired to plan their own Greek adventure now have one more reason to look beyond the islands.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of inspire

Browse Nearby Words

evocative
evoke
evoked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Evoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evoke. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on evoke

Nglish: Translation of evoke for Spanish Speakers

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