obtain
verb (used with object)
to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request.
obtains
-
present tense formof obtain (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Social Security Administration obtains medical records to determine a person’s eligibility when they apply for disability benefits.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026
Through it all, Mr. Trump has limited the U.S. responses to self-defense and insisted the cease-fire still obtains.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026
But Merz insisted that he still shared Trump's goal of ensuring Iran never obtains an atomic weapon, even if he has criticised the US handling of the conflict.
From Barron's ● May 3, 2026
The text of both the ADA and Section 504 plainly applies to “qualified individuals with disabilities,” without any reference to where the disabled person obtains a covered service.
From Slate ● Jul. 9, 2025
If she obtains a copy of the exam early—that is, illegitimately—she can prepare them for specific questions.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
