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.

The results also raise questions about whether current nutrition recommendations could do a better job of helping people obtain beneficial compounds such as flavanols.

From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2026

He also told a news conference Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, with or without a deal.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

If he doesn’t obtain a deal from Iran, he will lose at home as well—along with his reputation as a master of “the art of the deal.”

From Slate • Jun. 15, 2026

O’Leary has yet to obtain financing or a hyperscale AI partner for the development.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

Paul didn’t want problems with the authorities, so early in the planning process she met with the District of Columbia’s police superintendent, Richard Sylvester, to obtain a parade permit.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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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