1
as in to achieve
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
Napoléon had attained mastery of much of Europe at that point
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to earn
to receive as return for effort
with hard work she will inevitably attain success in her chosen profession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 attain
The self-obscuring image can pretty easily be read as a statement of his desire to be recognized for his music, rather than the fame he’s attained starring on hit shows like Stranger Things and Fargo.
—
John Lonsdale, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025
That was her first step that would eventually lead her to study for a year to attain her paramedic certification.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Thomas said the collaborative is working with U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly to attain federal grant funding as well as state Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin for state support.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Figures from record labels, publishers, managers, agents, promoters lawyers, finance and media as well as artists, producers and songwriters all head down to these events to attain fresh knowledge and connect.
—Billboard Uk, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attain
John Lonsdale, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025
That was her first step that would eventually lead her to study for a year to attain her paramedic certification.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Thomas said the collaborative is working with U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly to attain federal grant funding as well as state Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin for state support.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Figures from record labels, publishers, managers, agents, promoters lawyers, finance and media as well as artists, producers and songwriters all head down to these events to attain fresh knowledge and connect.
—Billboard Uk, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attain
Verb
-
The visual is meant to underline Bukele’s feat of achieving a top-level U.S. alliance for a country suddenly punching significantly above its weight in global affairs.—
David Catanese,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino achieved legendary status at Anfield through his ability to drop into pockets to facilitate wide runners ahead of him, and Cunha has all the attributes to perform a similar role, should Slot want to regenerate his front line.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Martin co-starred with Regina Hall and Issa Rae in the 2019 film, which was a modest hit, earning $48 million at the global box office.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2025
-
In addition, The New Yorker earned two ASME Awards for Design, Photography, and Illustration, which recognize visual excellence.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
That advantage paired with a 14-11 edge in offensive rebounds helped Cleveland win the possession battle, taking eight more field-goal attempts and four more free throws than Miami.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Now, Wells has a chance to become the fourth second-round pick in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The strategy is straightforward: invest at least $2,000 in a company's stock to gain shareholder rights, then submit resolutions pushing for corporate responsibility.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Many victims reported Crawley used his professional status and charismatic personality to gain trust, create an illusion of financial stability and ultimately exploit those relationships for personal gain, the release states.—
Ron Wood,
Arkansas Online,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Tech-forward companies are reaping early benefits—higher productivity, smarter operations, stronger margins—while slower adopters struggle to convert ambition into outcomes.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Peptide serums have become a mainstay of skin-care routines for their ability to repair and improve skin—but why should your face exclusively reap those rewards?—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
As the deadline for obtaining a Real ID approaches, many Americans are scrambling to secure an appointment, some expressing panic over long delays at state DMVs.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
-
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Buzbee submitted new legal documents Monday seeking to have JAY-Z’s suit tossed out of an Alabama court.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Moreover, seasonal shades also garnered rave reviews.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The publicity garnered around Fyre Festival was heightened because its original iteration was heavily backed by Ja Rule.—
Regina Cho,
VIBE.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Rebellions had made a name for itself with its energy-efficient AI computer chips with a range of applications, from high-frequency trading to supporting large language model tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.—
John Kang,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The traffic alert was reported Monday at 5:22 p.m., and the latest update regarding this incident was made available on Monday at 8:32 p.m. Past Incidents in the last 12 hours: There were no traffic incidents reported in this area for the past 12 hours.—
Kansas City Star Bot,
Kansas City Star,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attain. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share