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.

Sanberg himself funded the contracts and used the inflated revenue numbers to obtain more loans.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Guns are tightly regulated in Connecticut, where buyers must first obtain a permit.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

Young mice are easier and less expensive to obtain, while aged mice require long term care and breeding.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, also fought in court to obtain them.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

It was impossible to obtain any further information from the girl.

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

Vocabulary lists containing obtain

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT words Beginning with "O"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!