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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The telling is harrowing, but also humorous at times, and achieves an emotional register that had me, essentially, transfixed.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
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Here, the Sport+ drive mode does a commendable job of keeping the transmission in the meaty parts of the powerband, while dialing the dampers back to Sport achieves the right balance of body control and compliance on these less-than-perfect road surfaces.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Verb
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With generous grounds and a residence built for gathering, this Southern Highlands estate invites the full cast of grandparents, cousins, friends, and whoever else earns a place at the weekend table.—
Natalie Hoberman,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
Their new joke earns a bigger laugh than Al’s.—
Caroline Framke,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
No Stanley Cup since 1967, and the Maple Leafs went nearly 20 years between series wins between 2004 and 2023.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
-
Move quickly — but don’t skip due diligence Speed wins deals in Charlotte, but speed without care creates problems.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
Verb
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However, an artist’s innate defiance reaps the best art.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The mower does the work, and your lawn reaps the benefits.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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By tracking the population, the conservancy builds a database of valuable insights into raptors and, in turn, gains a better understanding of the overall ecosystem.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
-
Blum noted that several billionaires have made high-profile departures from California as a state billionaire tax proposal gains steam.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
What few efforts do exist to address alcohol’s harms have been overshadowed by the opioid crisis, a parallel drug epidemic that attracts more funding, spurs more policy change, and garners more media attention despite being vastly less deadly.—
Lev Facher,
STAT,
12 May 2026
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Unless one candidate garners more than 50% of votes in the June 2 primary to outright win the seat, the top two vote-getters will move on to the November general election ballot.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The number of championship rings a player obtains is dependent on teammates and coaching systems.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
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Federal Judge Richard Leon imposed a preliminary injunction earlier this month that paused above-ground construction until the administration obtains congressional approval.—
Arden Farhi,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When the sway gets too risky, the captain closes some of the outer decks.—
Akash Kapur,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
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These dusters are meant to be replaced frequently, often after one to three uses, depending on the size of the space and how dusty your home gets.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attains. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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