The word "excerpts" refers to passages or selections taken from a larger piece of writing or work. Here are some synonyms and an analysis:
extracts: This is a very close synonym to "excerpts". It implies taking out a portion of something. For example, "The book contains several interesting extracts from historical documents." Just like "excerpts", it suggests that a specific part has been taken from a whole.
quotations: These are often short passages or statements taken from a larger body of work and used to illustrate a point or add authority. For instance, "The speech was full of famous quotations." While quotations are usually attributed to a specific person or source, they can function similarly to excerpts in that they are taken from a larger context.
passages: This word can also be used as a synonym for excerpts. Passages can refer to sections of text or a continuous stretch of writing. For example, "She read aloud some beautiful passages from the novel." It implies a longer or more continuous piece than perhaps an "excerpt" might suggest on its own, but still indicates a part of a larger work.
snippets: This is a more informal term that means small pieces or fragments. For example, "The article was full of interesting snippets of information." Like excerpts, snippets are small parts taken from a larger whole, but they may be even shorter and more fragmented.
clippings: Originally referring to pieces cut from a newspaper or magazine, this term can also be used more broadly to mean any cut-out or selected portion. For example, "She kept a folder of clippings from her favorite articles." It has a similar connotation to excerpts in that it involves taking a piece from a larger source.