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
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 attains
Robert surreptitiously attains Alfred’s workbook/diary, where many secrets may exist.
—
Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attains
Verb
-
The fiber’s irregular length distribution—with 50 percent at 28 millimeters and 50 percent in the 10 to 20 millimeter range—delivers a textured, semi-dull and opaque aesthetic that achieves a genuine, vintage washdown performance.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The 2026 Sequoia achieves 22 miles per gallon combined, up eight miles per gallon from the second-gen model's measly 14 miles per gallon combined.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That’s an excellent benefit for a no-annual-fee credit card that earns points that transfer to a long list of partners like Air Canada Aeroplan, Alaska Atmos Rewards and United MileagePlus.—
Harlan Vaughn,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The Nashville native — daughter of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Paul Overstreet, who penned hits of his own and for many others beginning in the 1980s — earns her first top 10 on Country Airplay as a writer.—
Russ Penuell,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Political trends show that the party that wins the White House usually loses seats in Congress during the midterm elections two years later.—
Seung Min Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Oak Lawn 11-5 (NR) Bianca Fleitas takes MVP at Tampa Bay Invitational as coach Mark Sevedge wins 200th game.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Ronny Hartmann | Afp | Getty Images Rolls-Royce shares have hit fresh record highs every single trading day so far this year, as the aerospace and defense firm reaps benefits from multiple directions – from its exposure to defense, to its thriving power systems business and a wider FTSE 100 rally.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Although everyone reaps the benefits of a more reliable grid, local landowners might not see those as sufficient to compensate for the impacts of the line, the commission says.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Anyone who purchases a rodeo ticket also gains same-day access to the Stock Show grounds.—
Brayden Garcia
January 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Washington, meanwhile, gains a high-usage playmaker to elevate an offense currently ranked near the bottom of the league in guard production and efficiency, though the Wizards are not expected to pursue an immediate extension until evaluating Young's health following recent knee and quad injuries.—
Sam Crenshaw,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
If the California initiative garners enough signatures, Newsom and the state legislature could potentially try to block it from appearing on the November ballot by filing an emergency petition with the California Supreme Court.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
7 Jan. 2026
-
When the work is done and enters the world, there’s a decent chance that the reporting garners relatively little attention.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
However, if the debt collection agency files a lawsuit over the unpaid balance and obtains a judgment against you, that judgment could appear on your credit report and damage your credit score.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
18 Dec. 2025
-
Trump is weighing in on the bidding battle, which could end up creating a multibillion-dollar media powerhouse if either company obtains Warner Bros.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
While not everyone gets their wishes, those with no interest in taking on the deceptive — and challenging — role of a Traitor likely won't be chosen.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Ole Miss gets one more possession, starting at its 31, with 55 seconds left in the first half.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attains. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share