General Synonyms:
* Obtain: This is a very common synonym, similar in meaning to acquire.
* Get: A simple and informal word that is often interchangeable with "acquire".
* Gain: Implies an increase or improvement in something.
* Procure: Suggests effort or planning to obtain something.
* Secure: Suggests obtaining something with certainty or safety.
* Earn: Indicates something was gained through effort or merit.
* Receive: Suggests something was given to you or came to you passively.
More Specific Synonyms:
* Attain: To achieve or reach something, often through effort.
* Accumulate: To gather or collect something over time.
* Amass: To gather a large amount of something.
* Purchase: To buy something.
* Inherit: To receive something from a deceased person.
* Learn: To gain knowledge or a skill.
* Develop: To acquire or grow something gradually.
Words with Negative Connotations:
* Seize: To take something forcefully.
* Grab: To take something quickly or suddenly.
* Claim: To assert a right to something, often without justification.
* Steal: To take something illegally.
The best synonym for "acquire" depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.