Synonyms for

Earn

Verb / ɜ:n / Another word for earn — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to gain or deserve something through hard work or effort

Synonyms & similar words

realise takein pullin garner clear bringin realize gain make acquire gain obtain deserve merit win attain procure secure bag score land achieve accomplish finish complete fulfill succeed do perform

Synonyms by register

Formal

acquire obtain procure gain

Informal

make pull in score bag

Literary

win merit achieve

Antonyms

lose forfeit squander waste give up surrender

Common collocations

  • earn a living
  • earn money
  • earn interest
  • earn respect
  • earn a reward
  • earn a degree
  • earn a promotion
  • earn your keep

Word family

noun earning
verb earn
adjective earnable

Usage note

While 'earn' can be used for acquiring money or possessions, it also strongly implies deserving or meriting something through effort or good conduct, such as 'earn respect'.

Example sentences

  1. I need to earn money to buy a toy.
  2. She worked hard to earn good grades.
  3. He earned a promotion at work.
  4. The team earned a victory in the game.
  5. I want to earn your trust.

Quotes

  • Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. - Dalai Lama
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. - Beverly Sills

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words