OpenSynonym

earn

/ɜːrn/

VERB

1. Receive money through work or activity

To receive money, wages, or income in return for work, services, business activities, or investments.

1.1. Employment and wages

Used when receiving money as payment for performing a job, working for an employer, or providing professional services.

Synonyms

  • make
  • bring home
  • bring home the bacon
  • draw
  • gross
  • pull down
  • knock down
  • take home

Antonyms

  • lose
  • forfeit

Examples

  • She works two jobs to earn enough money to support her family.
  • He earns a good salary as a software engineer.
  • The company pays employees according to the hours they work.

Related Words

1.2. Business profits and financial returns

Used when generating money or financial returns through business operations, sales, commercial activities, or investments.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The small business earns enough profit to expand its operations.
  • The investment earns interest every year.
  • Their online store brings in thousands of dollars each month.

Related Words

VERB

2. Deserve something through actions or qualities

To become entitled to or worthy of something because of one's actions, efforts, achievements, or personal qualities.

2.1. Recognition and respect

Used when someone's actions, behavior, or accomplishments make them worthy of recognition, admiration, or respect from others.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The talented musician hoped to earn recognition for their original compositions.
  • Her honesty and dedication earned her the respect of her colleagues.
  • The athlete worked hard to earn the admiration of fans.

Related Words

2.2. Trust and confidence

Used when gaining another person's trust, confidence, or acceptance through reliable behavior, honesty, and consistent actions.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • lose
  • forfeit

Examples

  • Entrepreneurs often face challenges as they endeavor to earn the trust of their customers.
  • She worked hard to earn the confidence of her new team.
  • Consistent honesty helped him earn the trust of his colleagues.

Related Words

2.3. Rewards and opportunities

Used when someone's efforts, performance, or achievements make them deserving of a reward, promotion, position, or opportunity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She worked diligently to earn a promotion within the company.
  • The athlete's rigorous training regimen was designed to help him earn a spot on the national team.
  • Students strive to earn high grades through hard work and dedication.

Related Words

VERB

3. Obtain or accumulate something

To gain, acquire, or accumulate something as a result of effort, activity, or a particular process.

3.1. Gaining achievements and results

Used when successfully obtaining achievements, accomplishments, points, or results through effort, competition, or performance.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The athlete earned several medals during the international competition.
  • The team earned enough points to qualify for the final round.
  • Her consistent efforts helped her achieve excellent results.

Related Words

3.2. Gaining possessions or benefits

Used when obtaining or accumulating something valuable, useful, or beneficial through personal effort, activities, or circumstances.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Over the years, she earned valuable experience working in different industries.
  • The company accumulated substantial resources through its successful operations.
  • He worked hard to gain the skills needed for his new career.

Related Words