obtain
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for obtain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To get or acquire something, often through effort or a formal process.
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.
procure
come by
Antonyms
How to use obtain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
obtain permission
obtain a licence
obtain evidence
More formal than "get" — common in official, legal, or written contexts.
Etymology
From Latin obtinere, "to gain, hold, possess", from ob- plus tenere ("to hold") — the same root as "tenant" and "contain".
Full origin of obtain →Frequently asked questions
What does “obtain” mean?
The word “obtain” means to get or acquire something, often through effort or a formal process. In plain terms, to get hold of something, usually formally or with some effort.
How do you pronounce “obtain”?
“Obtain” is pronounced uhb-TAYN (/əbˈteɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “obtain” in a sentence?
Here is “obtain” used in a sentence: “You'll need to obtain a permit before you can start building.”
What part of speech is “obtain”?
“Obtain” is a verb.
Where does the word “obtain” come from?
The word “obtain” comes from Latin. From Latin obtinere, "to gain, hold, possess", from ob- plus tenere ("to hold") — the same root as "tenant" and "contain".
Is “obtain” a common word?
“Obtain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “obtain” have?
“Obtain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to get or acquire something, often through effort or a formal process.
What is the difference between obtain and get?
They mean much the same, but 'obtain' is more formal and suggests effort or a proper process, as in obtaining a licence or permission. 'Get' is the everyday, all-purpose word that fits almost any situation. You would obtain a visa in writing but simply get a coffee.
What is an example of obtaining something?
Obtaining usually involves some effort or procedure: getting a passport by filling in forms, securing a loan from a bank, gaining a qualification through study, or acquiring rights or evidence. Each is more deliberate than simply picking something up, which is why 'obtain' carries a formal, purposeful tone.
