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.

Because it is inexpensive, easy to obtain, and well tolerated, researchers believe it could be quickly tested as a complementary approach to cancer treatment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

The review also found that it is increasingly taking longer for applicants to obtain a permit, up to about 155 days.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Garcia, the mother of two, said she will keep trying to obtain the benefits.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

The company aims to obtain approvals in Brazil and Australia next, while the U.S. is expected later because of its longer regulatory process, Syngenta said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

The creditor’s note was purportedly signed by Roan and was dated “Jany, 1921”; this was important, because it indicated that the note predated efforts to obtain the insurance, giving legitimacy to Hale’s claim.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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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