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.

After announcing the pause of the evacuation plan on Thursday, Dominguez on Friday said he was working with parties, including the US, Iran and Oman, to obtain guarantees vessels would not be targeted.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

Bilal Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said federal authorities plan to retry the case in front of a new jury “and obtain guilty verdicts on all charged counts.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

It entered into force in 2024 but crypto exchanges had until June 30 to obtain approval from a regulator in an EU country, but most have not applied or received authorisation by the deadline.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

Without a permanent green card, it is harder for legal permanent residents “to work, open bank accounts, secure housing, obtain health insurance, and enroll in school,” Jackson noted.

From Slate • Jun. 23, 2026

And then she learned the news Gray had died trying to obtain.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker

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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