obtains

verb

present tense third-person singular of obtain
as in earns
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 obtains The city will collect 5% annual interest on OAC’s future payments, the first of which would be expected five years after closing or when the group obtains formal city approval for its redevelopment plans, whichever comes earlier. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 13 July 2026 The state obtains the money by selling bonds to investors and agrees to repay it, with interest, per a specified schedule. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 Instead of cumbersome stakes and poles, the tent obtains its shape with just air. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 What that means is that if the debt becomes delinquent and a creditor obtains a judgment, either spouse's wages may be subject to garnishment, depending on state law. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 June 2026 These agreements can ensure that the host community obtains certain specified benefits, such as local workforce guarantees or infrastructure development, as a result of the data center project. — Michael Helbing, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Charges can elevate to a first-degree felony if parents don’t safely secure firearms, which the minor then obtains and uses to cause death or great bodily injury, which is punishable by up to three years, Bala said. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 May 2026 If the wrong party obtains it, trust collapses. — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Insight obtains its services through a national government purchasing cooperative, which uses Flock. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtains
  1. earns
  2. reaps
  3. wins
  4. garners
  5. gains
  6. gets
  7. makes
  8. acquires
Verb
  • The Republican who earns the most votes in August will face Democrat Amy Diediker in November.
    — Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • The home earns high marks for its landscaping and curb appeal.
    — Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
Definition of earns
Verb
  • Research and development accounts for an average of just 4% of European countries’ defense budgets, compared to 10% for the United States – which reaps significant economic multiplier effects from that military spending.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • With these words, Nellie sews a field's worth of dramatic tension that the series reaps for seasons to come.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
Definition of reaps
Verb
  • Ryan Coogler, fresh off multiple Oscar wins for Sinners, will be back to direct, and Letitia Wright and Winston Duke will return as Shuri and M’Baku respectively.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • No one wins when our state decides that transparency and accountability don’t matter.
    — Stephanie Vanos, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of wins
Verb
  • The idea garners rare bipartisan interest, potentially providing AI companies legitimacy and addressing public anxiety about the technology's future impact.
    — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • As Wembanyama garners worldwide attention, arriving right at Tatum and Silver’s New York doorstep in a moment that could change the sport, the NBA’s desire to expand hastens.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Definition of garners
Verb
  • If one college can play an athlete whose NCAA eligibility has already expired, but another can’t play an athlete with expired eligibility, the first gains an unfair advantage.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 July 2026
  • When one joint account holder dies, the surviving owner typically gains full access to the funds, though the specific rules vary by institution and jurisdiction, the CFPB explains.
    — Ashley Lynch July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of gains
Verb
  • As breadfruit gets easier to grow, other fruit and vegetables will get harder.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • Trafford pops up off the turf quickly, sets himself and then gets a more meaningful clearance on the ball with a save using his boot.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of gets
Verb
  • Collaboration makes the collective Collaboration is an important aspect of the 808SHE collective.
    — Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • If a ball is hit into foul territory and a fan makes the grab, the batter is out.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 27 July 2026
Definition of makes
Verb
  • The company also operates a distribution arm, PVR Inox Pictures, which has an output deal with Lionsgate and acquires films from the international film market and festival circuit.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 16 July 2026
  • Founded by Brian Robbins, Big Shot acquires 25 percent ownership stake in Alvin and the Chipmunks and will develop new projects for the franchise.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Definition of acquires

Browse Nearby Words

obtainments
obtains
obtrude
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Cite this Entry

“Obtains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtains. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of obtains for Spanish Speakers

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