OBTAINED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

obtained

verb

past tense of obtain

as in earned

to receive as return for effort after years of proving herself, she obtained recognition as a serious journalist

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of obtained The Afghan couple raised her for 18 months, but during that time the Masts also obtained a final adoption order from a Virginia court without notifying them. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026 Now, Amy Helm has countersued the studio, alleging that her successor, Brian Parillo, used invalid corporate actions to take control of the famed music venue in Woodstock, New York, and improperly obtained voting power from Levon Helm’s widow. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026 The warrant, signed Friday, was approved by the chief judge on the 11th Judicial Circuit Court following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to the arrest warrant and affidavit obtained by the Herald/Times. — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 In 1983, Baker and Casey became embroiled in a public dispute over who had clandestinely obtained Jimmy Carter’s briefing book for the 1980 Presidential debate. — Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026 Hackers may have obtained Social Security numbers, diagnoses and even medical images. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Ross says investigators obtained hair from Sells to compare to the crime scene. — Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 Video footage, which the Bee obtained from the attorney who filed a lawsuit on behalf of Saetern’s family, was not released to the public. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtained

Verb

Lawmakers were surprised to learn that nearly 1,700 state employees in all departments were paid more than $50,000 in overtime alone, while nearly 2,600 employees earned more than $40,000 in overtime in addition to their salaries.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Their primary race is still regarded as a historic political earthquake, but, in the final tally, Ocasio-Cortez earned fewer than seventeen thousand votes.

— Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of earned

Verb

The Rams amassed over 400 total yards, gained 30-plus first downs, scored five touchdowns, converted 50 percent of their third downs, and committed zero turnovers against the Bills.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Amazon — The e-commerce giant gained more than 1% after Morgan Stanley named it a top pick and raised its price target.

— Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of gained

Verb

The bar then placed a $5,000 bet on Kalshi that the then-underdog Knicks would win, and a $13,500 payout meant the bar not only paid off its patrons’ tabs, but also reaped a $8,500 profit.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Under-21s manager Rob Page, who Wright is enjoying working with, has reaped the benefits of the striker’s excellent form.

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of reaped

Verb

But remarks made last week by Bruce Brown, an eight-year NBA veteran fighting for a roster spot with the New York Knicks, garnered enough attention online that the league piped up.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Hughes garnered a reputation as a coach that impacted the lives of his players on and off the field.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of garnered

Verb

Since its founding, Storyteller has made flexible vans with outdoor accoutrements front of mind, building out versatile multi-use spaces for strapping in large cargo during the ride before rearranging into a bedroom/workshop once there.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
After stepping into a bigger role with most of the Heat’s rotation regulars out and impressing in Saturday night’s preseason loss to the Timberwolves, Conwell again made some positive plays on Wednesday.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of made

Verb

The researchers demonstrated the benefit of using different atoms by maintaining quantum entanglement for 10 seconds as against a few milliseconds attained with the same set of atoms.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
There is a greater good to be attained and that is the emphasis that will now be placed on the education of our students.

— Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of attained

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obtainable

obtained

obtaining

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“Obtained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtained. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obtained

verb

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