What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
procure
Example
She managed to procure a rare book from the library. [procure: verb]
Example
The company was able to procure a large contract with the government. [procure: verb]
acquire
Example
He acquired a new car through a trade-in deal. [acquired: past tense]
Example
The team was able to acquire a talented player in the off-season. [acquire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acquire is more commonly used than procure in everyday language. Acquire is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while procure is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between procure and acquire?
Both procure and acquire can be used in formal or informal contexts, but procure may have a more formal tone due to its less common usage and specific connotation.