Invoke vs Evoke | Meaning, Difference & Use

We use evoke to mean “cause” something (especially a feeling or a memory), but invoke to mean “apply” or “reference” (a law, principle or right).

• Use evoke to mean “provoke” an emotional reaction or memory (e.g., “Her painting evokes feelings of warmth and comfort”), but invoke when this is done to intentionally to support an argument (e.g., “She invoked the memory of past civil rights leaders in her speech”).
• Use invoke to mean “use” a law or right (e.g., “They could invoke Article 2 of the treaty”) or “ask for assistance” from a spirit, god etc. (e.g., “The villagers would say the prayer to invoke the rain gods”).

Evoke definition

The verb evoke means to “bring about” or “provoke,” especially feelings, memories, or responses. We often use it in combination with the nouns “memory,” “emotion,” “image,” “feeling,” and “response.”

Invoke meaning

We use invoke to describe a situation where someone is deliberately trying to provoke a memory or make a reference in order to support their actions or words. “Evoke,” on the other hand, does not imply this aspect of deliberate intent.

Invoke, rather than “evoke,” is the correct choice to express that a law, rule, or principle allows us to do something.

Frequently asked questions about invoke vs evoke

How do you use evoke in a sentence?

We use the verb evoke to mean “cause” or “bring about” something, especially an emotional reaction.

The choice of colors in the room evokes a sense of peace and tranquility.

Her statement has evoked an angry media backlash.

The smell evoked memories of their childhood.

Deciding whether invoke or evoke is the correct word choice can be tricky because the difference in meaning is very subtle in some contexts.

Have you tried out QuillBot’s free Grammar Check? It can help you make the right choices between commonly confused words.

How do you use invoke in a sentence?

We use the verb invoke to mean “use” (a law, principle, or right), “reference” something (to support what we are saying or doing), or “call upon” (a god, spirit etc.).

He plans to invoke a centuries-old law to assert his claim to the inheritance.

The venue for the speech was deliberately chosen to invoke the memory of the historic gathering that took place there.

This ritual is performed to invoke the spirits for guidance and protection.

Deciding if invoke or evoke is the right word for a certain context can be difficult as the difference in meaning is sometimes quite subtle.

Try a free Grammar Check to help you make the right choice between commonly confused words.

What is a synonym for evoke?

Synonyms for the verb evoke include:

• Trigger
• Awaken
• Provoke
• Elicit
• Spark

When making the choice between invoke or evoke, bear in mind that they are not synonyms, but have closely related meanings in some contexts.

Have you tried QuillBot’s free Paraphraser? It can help you find the best synonym for evoke in your specific context.

What is a synonym for invoke?

Synonyms for the verb invoke in connection with laws, rules, and rights include:

• Exercise
• Assert
• Claim
• Employ
• Use

Synonyms for invoke when used to mean “deliberately reference something” (in order to support what you are doing or saying) include:

• Cite
• Reference
• Quote
• Call upon
• Appeal to

Synonyms for invoke when used to mean “ask for help” from a supernatural force, spirit, or god include:

• Call upon
• Summon
• Conjure
• Appeal to
• Call forth

If you’re considering whether invoke or evoke in the correct choice for your context, bear in mind that, although they can have related meanings in some contexts, they are not synonyms.

QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you find the best synonym for “invoke” to fit your specific context.