obtain

verb

əb-ˈtān How to pronounce obtain (audio)
Definition of obtainnext
as in to earn
to receive as return for effort after years of proving herself, she obtained recognition as a serious journalist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 obtain The same outlet also obtained photos of delivery boxes outside MSG that contained boxes of lobster meat, fries, onion rings, and multiple kinds of chicken. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026 Tornado outbreak of April 2025 Modern-day tornado outbreaks showcase new and improved ways to obtain weather data and use it to alert the public quicker than ever before. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026 Fraser Minten, obtained in the Brandon Carlo deal from the Toronto Maple Leafs, climbed up the depth chart from fourth-line center last season and his final destination – second-line center? — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026 Already one of the nation’s largest White supremacist groups, Patriot Front is expanding, having added hundreds of members – mainly young men – across 49 states in the past two years, the documents obtained by USA TODAY suggest. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obtain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtain
  1. earn
  2. gain
  3. win
  4. reap
  5. garner
  6. get
  7. make
  8. attain
Verb
  • Pediatric surgeons earn $450,810 a year, on average, as of 2024, according to federal data.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Recognizing her extraordinary intellect, the Wheatley family educated her, and by age 20 her poetry had earned publication in London.
    — Robin Follman, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
Definition of earn
Verb
  • Monthly events like their floral arrangement workshop and cocktail classes create a space where people can enjoy an experience while gaining new skills and knowledge.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Join today to gain access to our latest series ‘Fashion’s Real Reset Starts Now’.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 July 2026
Definition of gain
Verb
  • But Erwin Chemerinsky, Berkeley’s law school dean, said Trump still won most of the cases the court decided either after oral arguments or through emergency appeals the administration brought.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The Socceroos are playing in the knockout stage for the third time in 20 years but have yet to win an elimination game.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of win
Verb
  • Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share practical ways companies can reduce e-waste—and reap business benefits—through smarter operational decisions and more intentional technology management.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But to reap the benefits of Florida’s low taxes, someone typically has to spend more than half the year in the state.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
Definition of reap
Verb
  • The previous version of the bill had garnered strong bipartisan support in the 80-person Assembly, passing out of the chamber with 76 votes in favor of it.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • The beloved southern elephant seal, Neil the Seal, is back in Tasmania, causing havoc yet again and garnering fans through his antics.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of garner
Verb
  • One thing everyone agrees on, though, is that airfare is likely to keep getting more expensive.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • And the research proves that this type of bias is only getting worse.
    — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of get
Verb
  • Those changes to Florida’s ADAP in March would’ve dropped eligibility from making an annual household income at 400% of the poverty level — or about $63,800 for a one-person household — to 130% of the poverty level.
    — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Her victory over leftist challenger Roberto Sánchez marks her fourth presidential bid and makes her Peru’s first female president-elect.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of make
Verb
  • These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge.
    — Nick Ayres DeMasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
  • Well before Diana attained princess status, Althorp was a favorite retreat of royals and a variety of politicians from around the world.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 July 2026
Definition of attain

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obstructs
obtain
obtainability
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Cite this Entry

“Obtain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtain. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of obtain for Spanish Speakers

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