earn
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for earn, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To receive money in return for work done.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use earn
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English earnian, ultimately linked to a root meaning "harvest" — earning something was originally tied to reaping a reward.
Full origin of earn →Frequently asked questions
What does “earn” mean?
The word “earn” means to receive money in return for work done. In plain terms, to get money, respect, or reward through work or effort.
How do you pronounce “earn”?
“Earn” is pronounced urn (/ɝn/ in IPA).
How do you use “earn” in a sentence?
Here is “earn” used in a sentence: “She earns a good salary as a software engineer.”
What part of speech is “earn”?
“Earn” is a verb.
Where does the word “earn” come from?
The word “earn” comes from Old English. From Old English earnian, ultimately linked to a root meaning "harvest" — earning something was originally tied to reaping a reward.
Is “earn” a common word?
“Earn” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “earn” have?
“Earn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to receive money in return for work done.
What is the difference between earn and win?
You earn something by working or deserving it — wages for a job, respect through good behaviour. You win something through a contest, competition, or chance, like a prize or a game. Earning implies steady effort and merit; winning implies beating others or luck. That link to deserving is why the two words are often confused.
Can you earn things other than money?
Yes. Although earn most often means being paid for work, it also applies to anything gained through effort or merit — you can earn respect, trust, a promotion, or a reputation. In every case the sense is the same: the reward is deserved through what you have done rather than given freely or by chance.
What is an example of earn in a sentence?
She earns thirty thousand pounds a year as a nurse. He earned a bonus for finishing the project early. Over time, they earned the community's trust. Each shows something received in return for work or merit, whether that reward is wages, a bonus, or intangible respect that has to be won by effort.
What is the opposite of earn?
The opposite depends on the meaning. When earn refers to being paid, opposites include spend, lose, or owe. When it means to deserve something through effort, the contrast is receiving it freely or unfairly — to inherit, be given, or take without deserving. Both share the idea of a reward that was not worked for.