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.

Cuban farmers have already been operating under severe constraints imposed by U.S. sanctions — struggling to obtain spare parts to repair tractors, access fertilizers and pesticides or secure basic inputs like seeds.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

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

In a statement sent to the BBC earlier in April a defence ministry spokesman confirmed that males aged 17 and older were required to obtain prior approval for stays abroad lasting longer than three months.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“That is very kind of you. I will return as soon as I am able to obtain help. Alexander, you are the eldest—please make sure no one wanders off.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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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