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
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 attain
The likeliest explanation is that supermassive black holes attain their size when two smaller black holes smack into one another during a galactic collision.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Apr. 2026
The Cougars then compiled a 14-2-3 record in the regular season, and attained the MIAA’s top spot in the power rankings.
—Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
His higher calling hit while attaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering and computer science from the University of Illinois and University of Illinois Chicago, says the 61-year-old pastor.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Of all sports halls of fame, College Football’s is statistically the most difficult to attain.
—Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attain
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Apr. 2026
The Cougars then compiled a 14-2-3 record in the regular season, and attained the MIAA’s top spot in the power rankings.
—Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
His higher calling hit while attaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering and computer science from the University of Illinois and University of Illinois Chicago, says the 61-year-old pastor.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Of all sports halls of fame, College Football’s is statistically the most difficult to attain.
—Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attain
Verb
-
In many cases, physicians can substitute a generic drug or recommend a similar treatment that achieves the same outcome at a lower price.—
Deidre Popovich,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Still chasing a level of success that, from the outside, already looks like she’s achieved.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Matt Strahm worked a hitless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg earned his fourth save.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Mansaray now works under a company that requires her to make daily returns of 350 leones ($14), earning an average daily wage of 175 leones ($7), enough to cater to her family and considered high income for many in the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day, left-hander Mitchell Parker (1-0) struck out five in two scoreless innings of relief as the Nationals won for the fourth time in five games.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
From there, the Hornets called their final timeout, with Ball driving from the winning basket.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Among them, two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are gaining traction as a promising post-Moore pathway, offering atomically thin structures that could enable continued transistor scaling while improving energy efficiency and performance.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Fox News Digital previously reported that Costco Travel has gained traction among budget-conscious travelers looking to maximize savings.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Of course, the lawyers had reaped the bulk of the financial rewards.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The book Sunrise on the Reaping takes place in Panem on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the events in The Hunger Games, the first novel that published in 2008.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Data obtained from the license plates cannot be held for more than 21 days unless there is an active criminal investigation, officials said.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Under the law, anyone applying for a new driver's license, renewing an existing one, or obtaining a state ID will have their citizenship status printed directly on the card.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Expansive subdivision plans and an annexation for a wastewater infrastructure project are moving forward after garnering votes of approval at Crown Point’s April city council meeting.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
This is the first hotel in Europe to feature five Michelin stars under one roof—garnered here by three distinct restaurants.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Atletico is at home to defend its 2-0 win from the first leg and try to make it to the last four of the European competition for the first time in nearly a decade.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The talk of the newsroom this morning is why Wall Street rallied and oil prices retreated on what could be considered very tenuous indications that diplomatic progress is being made.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attain. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
