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Definitions

earn

[urn] / ɜrn /
VERB
make money
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquire bring in collect derive draw gain get make obtain pick up realize reap receive score secure win
STRONG
attain clear consummate cop effect gather gross hustle net perform procure profit pull rate snag sock turn wrangle
WEAK
be gainfully employed be in line for bring home bring home the bacon bring home the groceries clean up make fast buck make it big pay one's dues pull down scare up scrape together
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dissuade fail forfeit give lose miss pass spend surrender yield
STRONG
give in neglect
WEAK
cost throw away
VERB
deserve a reward
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquire gain reap score win
STRONG
attain bag harvest merit net rate warrant
WEAK
be entitled to be worthy of come by
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail forfeit lose
WEAK
cost spend throw away

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.

“At the end of the day, I think that this industry to which I belong needs to earn the social permission to consume energy,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Empty seats earn nothing so airlines undercut one another into the grave if they had expanded too quickly or if there was an economic shock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

City would equalise to earn a 2-2 draw.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

All U.S. taxpayers have until tax day — Wednesday, April 15 — to take advantage of the Roth IRA tax break for 2025, even if they think they earn too much.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Eventually he was able to earn enough money to purchase the freedom of some of his children and their descendants.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Vocabulary lists containing earn

Michelle Obama's final address as First Lady (2017)

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Workshop 1, Part 1

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Bronx Masquerade

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