1
as in to achieve
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
Napoléon had attained mastery of much of Europe at that point
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to earn
to receive as return for effort
with hard work she will inevitably attain success in her chosen profession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of attain
One recurring finding in social-mobility research is that interventions targeted to poor children yield significant results; for adults who are already in poverty, improvement is harder to attain even with expensive interventions.
—
Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Accordingly, the study examines the extent to which graduates attain positions of influence in business, thereby shaping the economy and everyday life.
—Time Staff, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
These storms progress generally northeastward and typically attain maximum intensity near New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
—ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
In the past two years, other prominent financial players, including PayPal and Ripple, have launched stablecoins of their own, but neither has been able to attain even 10% of Circle’s market cap.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attain
Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Accordingly, the study examines the extent to which graduates attain positions of influence in business, thereby shaping the economy and everyday life.
—Time Staff, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
These storms progress generally northeastward and typically attain maximum intensity near New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
—ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
In the past two years, other prominent financial players, including PayPal and Ripple, have launched stablecoins of their own, but neither has been able to attain even 10% of Circle’s market cap.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attain
Verb
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Judd plays Caden’s mother Mari in the pic, which centers on the unwavering determination of his parents to help their son, against all odds, achieve his dream.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2026
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My neighbor friends, Scott and Dwayne, contribute regularly to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization, working to achieve LGBTQ equality and influencing legislation on the federal, state and local level.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Matsumoto earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and a doctorate in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
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Like the Brooks running shoes, these sandals have also earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Given that Trump won North Carolina, the endorsement instantly made Whatley the front-runner for the GOP nomination.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Emerging from the Working group, Penny beat out 2,499 other canines spread across seven different groups containing 204 total breeds to win the coveted prize.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In recent years the genre has gained huge global fandom as more groups – like Blackpink and Twice – broke into the US charts, went on world tours, and collaborated with big American artists.—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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Then, later, more than 1,000 fans descended on Old Trafford itself, with hundreds gaining access to the stadium and getting onto the pitch, eventually causing the match, which was due to be aired live on Sky Sports, to be postponed.—
Chris McKenna,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The North Stars are reaping the benefits of all that hard work.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
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Just as that film brought awards for its director and star, Fernanda Torres, The Secret Agent is reaping similar benefits, with the Golden Globes giving its coveted Best Actor award to Wagner Moura for his title role as an academic on the run from an authoritarian government in 1977 Brazil.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Records obtained by The Bee show that local Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence was not only aware of the fireworks on the site, but signed off on a crucial building permit, though his agency never conducted any safety inspections.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
3 Feb. 2026
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Police then obtained a warrant for his arrest but were unable to take him into custody following multiple attempts to find him, Boothroyd said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Pitt has garnered critical acclaim and earned several awards, including sweeping the 2025 Emmys and taking home two trophies at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, including Wyle’s win for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
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Though the post has garnered some positive replies, including ones from Jamie Dornan and Garrett Hedlund, comments have been limited.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The evening brought together chefs, civic leaders, business innovators, artists and community advocates to honor renewal, rebuild momentum and remind Angelenos what makes the city extraordinary.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Tyler Huntley made it as an alternate three years ago after throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions in four starts with the Baltimore Ravens.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attain. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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