1
as in to gather
to gradually increase in
our hopes were raised as the movement gained strength
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to earn
to receive as return for effort
gained her affections with his boyishly shy manner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to recover
to become healthy and strong again after illness or weakness
is steadily gaining after his bout with the flu and will be back on his feet soon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to increase
to become greater in size, extent, volume, amount, or number
the new version of the car gained in both width and length compared to the earlier model
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to achieve
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
vowed to gain control of the company by any means necessary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to persuade
to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest request
the radical party was able to gain some supporters with intense recruitment on college campuses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in increase
something added (as by growth)
attributed her recent weight gain to the medication she was taking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in profit
the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received
the company posted a substantial fourth-quarter gain, signaling an end to their money-losing ventures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in revenue
usually gains plural
an increase usually measured in money that comes from labor, business, or property
net gains this year were better than last
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Cite this Entry
“Gain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gain. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
