OBTAINING Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

obtaining

verb

present participle of obtain

as in earning

to receive as return for effort after years of proving herself, she obtained recognition as a serious journalist

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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 obtaining Both companies have approached Woodland about obtaining water and wastewater services because of concerns about groundwater access and quality. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Alfozan has spent about 15 years in the United States, working at various tech companies, including Meta, and obtaining a master's degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 2025. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 For those looking to go beyond obtaining residency, golden passports go further by granting citizenship. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026 Scientists say collecting samples from multiple locations increases the chances of obtaining any potential traces of past microbial life from Mars. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 After obtaining the pills, Llerena kept them and paid the individuals whose names appeared on the prescriptions, typically using the electronic payment service Zelle. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 The family’s story is mostly told from the perspective of Barb, the youngest sibling, who pushes for answers but puts off obtaining her own genetic test results. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026 Bell is the latest celebrity to speak out about troubles obtaining SAG-AFTRA health insurance. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Iran, of course, could force the American military out of its neighborhood without obtaining economic relief. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtaining

Verb

The native of Plainview, Texas, quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs of the 1970s, earning a Pro Bowl selection and leading the Rams in rushing each year from 1973 to 1977 in coach Chuck Knox’s productive offense.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
The estimate models a married, two-earner couple with one child earning the national median family income of $99,999.

— Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of earning

Verb

As financial markets have become more accessible, consumers have begun trading sophisticated financial instruments, purchasing fractional shares and gaining exposure to alternative assets in minutes.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Jones flashed his decisiveness and speed on the ensuing play, gaining 14 yards on a quarterback keeper.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of gaining

Verb

However, if Democrats focus on AI safety after winning control of one or both chambers of Congress next month, the group’s work on AI issues leaves it well-positioned.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Swim goggles worn by pro athletes in winning locker rooms carry logos for celebratory libations like Moët & Chandon or Michelob Ultra.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of winning

Verb

Know More Some Republicans don’t want any administration making forays into the private sector with public money.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
And Musk’s reference to SpaceX making between $500 billion and $1 trillion in annual revenue by the end of 2027 vastly eclipsed the Street’s estimate of $186 billion.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of making

Verb

That’s more than double the cash Tesla’s been garnering from operations in the last few quarters, meaning that will have a much bigger cash deficit in the final three months of 2026.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
With luxury bags and accessory live shows garnering more than 150 million views so far in 2026, Coach is expected to see the biggest benefit at the accessible price point.

— Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of garnering

Verb

Chisell, who previously worked at Amazon, eBay and Starling Bank, estimates that Paysend can now deliver around 25% more engineering work with the same-sized team, but argues that getting results isn’t as simple as handing everyone the latest tech.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Fanatics Sportsbook is getting you in on the action with a $20 wager giving you $350 in FanCash when using promo code FOXNEWS350.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of getting

Verb

This older world is often focused on common American ideals of individualism and grit as the primary tools for attaining personal success.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
In other words, what happens when their agreeable or polite approach to attaining something doesn’t work?

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of attaining

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obtained

obtaining

obtainment

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“Obtaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtaining. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obtaining

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