Another Word for Get: 19 Synonyms with Examples
Get is one of the vaguest verbs in English: it can mean obtain, receive, become, understand or arrive. Replacing it with an exact verb almost always improves formal writing.
As a verb: obtain or receive
- obtain
- receive
- acquire
- gain
- earn
- secure
- buy
As a verb: become
As a verb: arrive
- arrive
- reach
- come
As a verb: understand
- understand
- grasp
- follow
- see
- catch
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- obtain
- Formal; gets something, often with effort.
- receive
- Is given or sent something.
- earn
- Gets something in return for work or effort.
- become
- Changes into a state; more formal than get.
- reach
- Arrives at a place or level.
- grasp
- Understands, often something difficult.
Example sentences
- obtain: You must obtain a permit before parking here.
- receive: Did you receive my email about the meeting?
- earn: She earns extra money by tutoring at weekends.
- become: The roads became icy after dark.
- reach: We reached the summit just before noon.
- grasp: It took me a while to grasp the rules of cricket.
Opposite of get
- lose
- give
- miss
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “get”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: let, have, find, incur
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “get”?
The most useful alternatives are “obtain”, “receive”, “acquire”, “gain”, “earn”. For the main sense (obtain or receive), “obtain” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “obtain” and “receive”?
obtain: Formal; gets something, often with effort. receive: Is given or sent something.
What is the opposite of “get”?
Common antonyms are “lose”, “give”, “miss”.