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.

He traveled the country to report on families trying to obtain homeownership and hold on to it, small-time real estate investors and business owners, and the leaders of powerful financial institutions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

As Bessent noted, “One in five … will become homeless after aging out of the system, while only half will obtain gainful employment by the time they turn 24.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Joel feared he would be detained and deported even though he had a pending immigration case as he sought to obtain a green card.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Thomas Weir Pauken II, 50, "admitted to being part of a conspiracy to obtain sensitive information from the US government" for China, US Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A Eisenberg said.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

She intended to obtain passage to England without having to pay a single kopek, all by impersonating a lady of great wealth and royal relations.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing obtain

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

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