1
as in achieving
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 earning
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 attaining
The building, which is working toward attaining LEED Gold certification, has been in the works for more than two decades.
—
Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
His priorities are retaining local business, attaining affordable housing, and sustainable economic environmental development to make Shawnee a welcoming community.
—Pj Green
october 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Despite never attaining the presidency, he was credited with helping dismantle Kenya's one-party rule under Daniel arap Moi in 1992 and championing the progressive 2010 constitution, which ushered in far-reaching political reforms.
—NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Switzerland was the only country where attaining a better quality of life was a bigger draw (57%) than accessing investment opportunities (49%) or expanding a business (48%).
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Cassidy, a full-time teacher, was just six months away from attaining her degree in education, while Connor had recently been promoted in her role as a personal assistant.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Professional dancers can be laser focused on attaining physical perfection.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
The current injury will, at the very least, delay McCarthy from attaining anything resembling an offensive rhythm.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
This includes today’s conventional AI and the rest of the pathway up to attaining AGI.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
His priorities are retaining local business, attaining affordable housing, and sustainable economic environmental development to make Shawnee a welcoming community.
—Pj Green
october 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Despite never attaining the presidency, he was credited with helping dismantle Kenya's one-party rule under Daniel arap Moi in 1992 and championing the progressive 2010 constitution, which ushered in far-reaching political reforms.
—NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Switzerland was the only country where attaining a better quality of life was a bigger draw (57%) than accessing investment opportunities (49%) or expanding a business (48%).
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Cassidy, a full-time teacher, was just six months away from attaining her degree in education, while Connor had recently been promoted in her role as a personal assistant.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Professional dancers can be laser focused on attaining physical perfection.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
The current injury will, at the very least, delay McCarthy from attaining anything resembling an offensive rhythm.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
This includes today’s conventional AI and the rest of the pathway up to attaining AGI.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attaining
Verb
-
As this brief survey suggests, the patriots’ success in drawing foreign partners into the war was essential to achieving American independence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Having led a multimillion-dollar organization and mentored thousands of women nationwide, Martine now specializes in guiding high-achieving women to stop over-functioning, reclaim their energy, and lead with clarity and confidence.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
My daughter and son earning advanced degrees from LSU and a third who began his career working at the university.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Many outlets began operating independently, earning revenue through advertising.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Get tech-smarter on your schedule Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
A week after a 27-10 road win at Syracuse, North Carolina turned in a dreadful first half against Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC), gaining only 47 total yards on its way to a 3-3 halftime tie.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The allegations contained in the recent NBA gambling indictment check the box of gaining widespread attention and headlines.—
Samidh Guha,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Advertisement Geerlings-Simons is hopeful, however, that Indigenous people who live in and rely on forests might serve as an example for how to manage natural resources while still reaping economic benefits.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
-
That steady push of Ralph Lauren into the consumer consciousness is reaping other rewards and more exposure.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
These limitations have long prevented scientists from obtaining clear images of deep brain structures.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In tandem, a lack of standardized sustainability reporting has made obtaining accurate data on suppliers’ environmental practices something of a challenge.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Lawrence is currently garnering Oscar buzz for her role in Lynne Ramsay’s dark comedy Die My Love.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
5 Nov. 2025
-
After the trade was announced, Seahawks star WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba reacted with an eye emoji, garnering an immediate response from Olave.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The prosecutor’s spokesperson said Yeo was making excuses that did not make sense about the notes discovered on his mobile phone.—
Reuters 2 hr ago,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attaining. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share