Obtain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /əb-ˈtān/ ob·tain

Meaning & Definition of Obtain

Obtain (verb)

  1. to gain or attain usually by planned action or effort
  2. to be generally recognized or established, prevail
  3. succeed

Obtain (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to receive as return for effort

    "after years of proving herself, she obtained recognition as a serious journalist"

    similar: acquire, attain, bag, bring in, capture, carry, come by, draw, earn, gain, garner, get, knock down, land, make, procure, pull down, realize, reap, secure, win
    related: clear, gross, net, accomplish, achieve, notch (up), score, accumulate, amass, rack up, catch, pick up, annex, occupy, take over, reacquire, reattain, recapture, regain, remake
    opposite: forfeit, lose
    near: accord, give, grant, pay, give up, hand over, part (with), relinquish, surrender, yield

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Obtain

The most common words with a similar meaning to Obtain:

acquire, attain, bag, bring in, capture, carry, come by, draw, earn, gain, garner, get, knock down, land, make, procure, pull down, realize, reap, secure, win

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Obtain

Words with the opposite meaning of Obtain:

forfeit, lose

Related Words for Obtain

clear, gross, net, accomplish, achieve, notch (up), score, accumulate, amass, rack up, catch, pick up, annex, occupy, take over, reacquire, reattain, recapture, regain, remake

Near Antonyms of Obtain

accord, give, grant, pay, give up, hand over, part (with), relinquish, surrender, yield

Word Forms of Obtain

Inflections: obtained, obtaining, obtains

Derived words: obtainability (noun), obtainable (adjective), obtainer (noun), obtainment (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Obtain

Middle English obteinen, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre to hold on to, possess, obtain, from ob- in the way + tenēre to hold thin

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Obtain

Frequently Asked Questions about Obtain

What does "Obtain" mean?

"Obtain" means to gain or attain usually by planned action or effort. As a verb, it is defined as: to gain or attain usually by planned action or effort.

What is another word for "Obtain"?

Other words for "Obtain" include acquire, attain, bag, bring in, capture, carry, come by and draw. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Obtain" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Obtain"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Obtain". Common alternatives include acquire, attain, bag, bring in, capture, carry, come by, draw, earn and gain.

What is the opposite of "Obtain"?

Antonyms of "Obtain" include forfeit and lose. Near antonyms include accord, give, grant and pay.

How do you use "Obtain" in a sentence?

Examples of "Obtain" in a sentence: "after years of proving herself, she obtained recognition as a serious journalist".

Is "Obtain" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Obtain" is a verb.

Is "Obtain" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Obtain" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Obtain"?

"Obtain" is pronounced /əb-ˈtān/ and divided into syllables as ob·tain.