acquired 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of acquirednext
1
as in adscititious

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2
as in nonhereditary

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acquired

2 of 2

verb

past tense of acquire
1
as in developed
to come to have gradually from years of working two jobs, he has acquired the ability to get by on only a few hours of sleep a day

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in earned
to receive as return for effort acquired a reputation for always arriving at his friends' house just as they were sitting down to dinner

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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 acquired
Adjective
Transferring to Paramount+ will be all content currently on BET+ – original and acquired – subject to rights restrictions and license expirations. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
Second-year guard Monique Akoa Makani, who was acquired from the Phoenix Mercury in the Kelsey Plum trade, started in Burrell’s place. — John W. Davis, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2026 Archer recently acquired control of the airport through a separate transaction. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 The ranch was in rough shape when the Steels acquired it, McDavid says. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026 The Niners on Sunday night acquired veteran linebacker Deion Jones in exchange for reserve running back Zamir White, a league source confirmed to The Sacramento Bee. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Crunchyroll has been under the Sony Pictures Entertainment umbrella since 2021, when the studio acquired Crunchyroll and merged it with Sony’s existing Funimation unit. — William Earl, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026 WildBrain has acquired all outstanding shares of Personality AI for $11 million in cash and 1 million company shares. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 When the Yankees acquired Stanton in a statement trade with the Miami Marlins before the 2018 season, the vision was clear. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The company acquired a majority stake in Global Atlantic in 2021 and bought the remaining stake in 2024. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquired
  1. incidental
  2. nonhereditary
  3. developed
  4. earned
  5. surface
  6. cultivated
  7. gained
  8. accidental
Adjective
  • That included nearly $12,000 for Marshall’s airfare and transportation, more than $6,000 for the senator’s per diem and $689 in incidental expenses.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Only 20% to 25% of eligible patients are currently getting screened annually, Nathan says, and the incidental population—nodules found through routine ER imaging—is growing at 10% a year on top of that.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of incidental
Adjective
  • Other research shows that nonhereditary forms can result from other factors, including existing medical conditions and diet, reports Maya Yang of the Guardian.
    — David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Aug. 2021
  • Evan, who turns 2 in December, was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare, nonhereditary genetic disorder that has a most cruel and unusual symptom — chronic hunger.
    — Maureen C. Gilmer, Indianapolis Star, 14 Sep. 2017
Definition of nonhereditary
Verb
  • The district developed an AI policy, seeking input from teachers, students and parents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For her cookbook, Pereira developed and perfected 100 original recipes with easy-to-find ingredients that infuse accessible dishes with rich flavors inspired by her Portuguese-Goan heritage and travels around the world.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of developed
Verb
  • Directed by Lee Cheol-ha and starring Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Sung-woong, Lee Sang-yun, and Sooyoung, the film has now earned $2 million.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Imanaga allowed five hits, two runs (one earned), one home run, two walks and struck out four on 72 pitches (41 strikes).
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of earned
Adjective
  • Massachusetts is equipped for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, strike missions, special operations, and mine warfare.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Thanks to strong multi-surface suction, this upright vacuum can go right from the living room carpet to the kitchen without missing a beat (or a crumb).
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of surface
Verb
  • According to organizers, the lineup represents a mix of projects that have already gained recognition at major festivals such as Sundance and South by Southwest, along with films cultivated locally.
    — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past decade, Blank Forms has cultivated relationships with dozens of artists working across disciplines, engaged in experimental practice and cultural preservation.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of cultivated
Verb
  • Rage cycling sessions, anxiety yoga and dozens of similar fitness initiatives have gained traction in recent years, inviting people to choose workout classes based on experiences and emotions.
    — Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • There was a lot to be gained by doing adult films with the rise of VHS and the democratization of pornography, people being able to watch it in their living rooms.
    — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of gained
Adjective
  • Summary Disney's renowned guest experiences are intentionally crafted, not accidental, as exemplified by Cheryl Christensen's 37-year career.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Buffalo Bills are giving defensive tackle Ed Oliver support and space following the accidental death of his 2-year-old son.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of accidental

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Cite this Entry

“Acquired.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquired. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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