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
Examples of attain in a Sentence
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
To win, a party’s ticket must win the most votes in enough states to attain an outright majority of electoral votes — at least 270 votes out of a total of 538 (sound familiar?).
—
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2024
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are sacred institutions African-American people created and attended to create safe havens where Black people could attain higher education.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Oct. 2024
In its modern interpretation, the American Dream has come to place greater emphasis on material prosperity and economic upward mobility, encompassing milestones like attaining a degree, achieving homeownership, starting a family and having a stable job or owning a business.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Aries Taking the lead brings good fortune, especially since Jupiter in Aries likes to be in charge and make moves toward attaining greatness.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for attain 
Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2024
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are sacred institutions African-American people created and attended to create safe havens where Black people could attain higher education.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Oct. 2024
In its modern interpretation, the American Dream has come to place greater emphasis on material prosperity and economic upward mobility, encompassing milestones like attaining a degree, achieving homeownership, starting a family and having a stable job or owning a business.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Aries Taking the lead brings good fortune, especially since Jupiter in Aries likes to be in charge and make moves toward attaining greatness.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for attain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attain
Verb
-
For current Spelman students, Brewer’s appointment serves as an inspiring example of the heights Spelman women can achieve and the importance of giving back to the institutions that shaped them.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2024
-
The biggest hurdle might be achieving her larger-than-life hair that has vexed fans and media alike.Chiara Kim, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Ahead, gifts for wives that will earn you the ‘Spouse of the Year’ award on her birthday, this holiday season, or any special occasion.Claire Sullivan, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024
-
Trump wants to end taxes on Social Security benefits while Harris wants to raise the capital gains tax from 20 percent to 28 percent for those earning more than $1 million a year.Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Meador wins Elite championship Steven Meador won the Beaver Lake Elite Series two-day championship held Oct. 19-20 at Beaver Lake.Flip Putthoff, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024
-
Powerball numbers:Anyone win Saturday night's drawing?Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Popular on Variety Nielsen has campaigned for months to gain approval for use of the data.Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
-
As of August, Musk’s false election claims gained 1.2 billion views on X, according to the CCDH analysis.Alena Botros, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
These innovative transportation construction projects made possible by positive and proactive government actions are likely to reap untold benefits and improve safe travels for everyone.Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
-
Fixing maritime boundaries means atoll nations can continue to reap the economic benefit of vast fishing grounds, even if populations must migrate as dry land area is significantly reduced.Reuters, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Among them is Gunna, who, in late 2022, made an Alford plea: pleading guilty to obtain a favorable sentence, while maintaining his innocence.Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2024
-
Investigators obtained a federal warrant the same day to place a tracking device on the Ford Focus.Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
The state superintendent race usually doesn't garner much attention, but Morrow's controversies have drawn national eyeballs.Alexandria Sands, Axios, 26 Oct. 2024
-
With its vibrant lemon filling and fluffy cloud of toasty meringue, this pie garnered praise at every potluck Grandma brought it to.Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
That demand has pushed the average asking rent to an all-time high, suggesting that those making leasing decisions are seeking high-end spaces, per CBRE.Kate Murphy, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024
-
The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy, along with their enduring commitment to social causes, has made a lasting impact that goes beyond the stage.Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024
Articles Related to attain
Thesaurus Entries Near attain
Cite this Entry
“Attain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attain. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share