Definitions

obtain

[uhb-teyn] / əbˈteɪn /

VERB

get, acquire

Synonyms

STRONGEST

access achieve attain collect earn gain gather glean have pick up procure purchase reach realize reap receive recover retrieve secure seize take win

STRONG

accomplish annex capture compass cop corral effect fetch grab hoard inherit invade nab occupy pocket salvage save score snag wangle

WEAK

beg borrow or steal chalk up come by drum up get at get hold of get one's hands on gobble up lay up make use of scrape together scrape up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disperse distribute divide fail forfeit free give give up let go lose miss misunderstand offer plant release scatter spend throw away

STRONG

endanger harm hurt squander surrender waste yield

WEAK

forsake sacrifice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A DJ from Moscow who tried to avoid service told AFP he could not obtain a driving licence or international passport without proper military papers.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

It has made specialized homeless care teams available to all veterans on the campus, provided case management to help veterans obtain housing subsidies and increased safety measures, the email said, but provided no further detail.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Executives said the company was unable to obtain government permits for the project.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

He went on to obtain a law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 2003.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

A group of women spoke with Aureliano so that he could obtain the return of their kitchen knives from his father-in-law.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Vocabulary lists containing obtain

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

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100 SAT words Beginning with "O"

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