1
as in achieves
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 earns
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 attains
But if a person seeking status is already wealthy or attains corporate sponsorship, for instance, a viable pathway to citizenship opens up, even if only slightly.
—
Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Gemini attains a very favorable position almost directly overhead.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Robert surreptitiously attains Alfred’s workbook/diary, where many secrets may exist.
—Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Gemini attains a very favorable position almost directly overhead.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Robert surreptitiously attains Alfred’s workbook/diary, where many secrets may exist.
—Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attains
Verb
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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
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Some users have found that microdosing, or taking the drug in small amounts, achieves the best health outcomes, but some experts warn against it.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Carmona brings tenacity, experience and the kind of calm, functional play style that earns camp opportunities.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
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The winner of this matchup earns the seventh playoff seed.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Our goal is to fix that by making sure every team wins at least one award this season, no matter how esoteric.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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If Hall wins the election against Morgan, who is vying for his fourth term in office, then a special election would be held, Bustilloz said.—
Claire Osborn,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The mower does the work, and your lawn reaps the benefits.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Apr. 2026
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Perhaps some enterprising Democrat or Republican will come along who exhibits more faith in our constitutional system, governs with the foresight that there are more elections to come than just the next one — and reaps the benefits.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With just one bolster or lumbar pillow in a standout textile—such as linen or velvet, for instance—the bed gains a striking focal point.—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
5 Apr. 2026
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That's why using strong antivirus software with real-time protection can help detect suspicious behavior that may emerge after an attacker gains control of a device.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The cool-girl pair garners plenty of praise, and the kicker?—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
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That doesn’t factor in the attention Cade Cunningham garners from defenders, which should generate open looks for Huerter.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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An employer subject to a stop order must pay its employees for up to 10 days for time lost until the employer obtains insurance.—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
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Whatever efficiency may be gained from using the tool could easily be undone in the event a threat actor obtains the keys to a network kingdom.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Who's responsible when AI gets it wrong?—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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As her mother, Linda Emond's Susan gets only a few moments to shine — and milks every single one for all its worth, doling out wince-worthy advice rooted in real (if outdated) wisdom, as many mothers do.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attains. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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