obtain

verb

əb-ˈtān How to pronounce obtain (audio)
Definition of obtainnext
as in to earn
to receive as return for effort after years of proving herself, she obtained recognition as a serious journalist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 obtain As a result of the investigation, Rasile obtained an arrest warrant charging Nilsen. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026 According to a new lawsuit obtained by PEOPLE, the actress — known for her roles in shows and movies including Single and Ready to Jingle, Trust in Love, UnREAL and more — sustained her injuries at a Los Angeles area dog park in November 2024. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026 After obtaining search warrants, authorities seized about 27 items, including slides, film negatives and books, from the first unit. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026 Or at least transparency that can be obtained with reasonable effort. — Stefan Gogoll, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obtain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtain
  1. earn
  2. gain
  3. win
  4. reap
  5. garner
  6. get
  7. make
  8. attain
Verb
  • Since interim head coach Ryan Richter took over during the World Cup break, Philadelphia earned 43 of a possible 57 points while outscoring opponents 48-22 during that span.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • For many prospective students, cost is no longer an automatic barrier to earning a two-year degree or beginning a path toward a bachelor’s degree.
    — Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of earn
Verb
  • Nevada Democrats will also gain a supermajority in the Assembly.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Even before gaining overnight climate control, the 242-hp California eHybrid 4Motion was an easy favorite among all California powertrain options because of that efficient, range anxiety-defeating gas-electric capability.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of gain
Verb
  • Newsom won his 2018 gubernatorial primary with the help of the California Nurses Assn.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Now a tax cut, which puts India on par with several Asian markets, is being proposed to win back these investors.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of win
Verb
  • Most of that debt is tied to assessments these hospitals owe the state as part of a complex tax scheme that in the past allowed Illinois to reap higher Medicaid payments from the federal government for redistribution to the hospitals.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Through the spring and summer the forest in this mountain backcountry had been blessed with abundant rainfall and the wild creatures were busy reaping the berries, seeds and other browse.
    — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of reap
Verb
  • Rachel Weatherington, who challenged political newcomer Geramie Parrish in the Place 4 race, was ahead with 70% of the vote with Parrish garnering 30%, according to unofficial, incomplete results from Tarrant County.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Cothiere garnered a much lower vote share than Wilson did in the crowded eight-person August primary to Wilson.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of garner
Verb
  • Loukeman, who mixed the record and nabs a couple co-production credits, proves a real asset to getting this across.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But only one got a victory parade on Wednesday — and a quintessentially Bay Area one at that.
    — Lauren Segal, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of get
Verb
  • Though noteworthy, polling suggests Latino voters care more about results than his history-making win.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Plus, most rooms have a recycling bin in addition to a trash bin in the larger kitchenettes and the custom mattresses are eco-friendly, US made, and toxin-free.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of make
Verb
  • Jot Crystal 3-Compartment Pen Holder Sleek desk organization can be attained.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Beyond attaining eternal beloved status by Cubs fans for finally bringing a World Series title back to the North Side, their run to immortality had a profound impact on multiple levels.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of attain

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obstructs
obtain
obtainability
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Cite this Entry

“Obtain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtain. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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