obtain
verb (used with object)
to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request.
was obtaining
-
past progressiveof obtain.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
It would have been nice if the first move was obtaining players who excel at defense.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2026
Every time, she had to watch their faces drop as they realized she was obtaining an abortion.
From Salon ● Oct. 3, 2025
Sentencing memos and private emails obtained by the AP show that one major aspect of Zuberi’s work was obtaining official letters from members of Congress inviting foreign officials to the U.S. for visits.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 30, 2020
Among other things, he added, the safety board was obtaining information on the pilot’s record, the plane’s maintenance records and the weather, and would be talking to any witnesses who may be available.
From New York Times ● Jun. 3, 2018
So the trader was obtaining wild monkeys from the Sese Islands, and if the animals proved to be sick, he was releasing them again on another island somewhere near Entebbe.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
