For obtaining something:
* Acquire: More formal and implies gaining possession through effort or purchase.
* Obtain: Similar to "acquire" but with a broader range of ways to gain possession.
* Receive: Focuses on being given or delivered something.
* Secure: Emphasizes gaining something reliably and permanently.
* Earn: Means to deserve or achieve something through work or effort.
* Attain: Implies reaching a desired goal or state.
* Gain: Indicates an increase or improvement.
For understanding:
* Understand: Means to grasp the meaning of something.
* Comprehend: Similar to "understand" but suggests a deeper level of understanding.
* Grasp: Implies a quick and easy understanding.
* Seize: Indicates a sudden realization.
* Catch: Implies a sudden understanding of something subtle or difficult.
For becoming affected:
* Become: Indicates a change in state.
* Turn: Similar to "become" but suggests a more sudden change.
* Fall: Indicates a negative change in state.
* Catch: Implies getting affected by a disease or illness.
* Contract: Means to become infected with a disease.
For moving or going:
* Go: Indicates moving to a specific location.
* Move: Similar to "go" but can also refer to changing position.
* Arrive: Means to reach a destination.
* Reach: Similar to "arrive" but emphasizes the process of getting there.
For causing something:
* Make: Indicates creating or producing something.
* Cause: Means to bring about something, often as a result.
* Produce: Similar to "make" but with a focus on manufacturing or creation.
* Generate: Indicates creating something through a specific process.
The best synonym to use will depend on the specific situation and the nuance you want to convey.