Synonym Chooser

How is the word affix distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affix are attach, fasten, and fix. While all these words mean "to make something stay firmly in place," affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.

affix your address label here

When can attach be used instead of affix?

The words attach and affix are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, attach suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together.

attach the W-2 form here

When is it sensible to use fasten instead of affix?

The synonyms fasten and affix are sometimes interchangeable, but fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing.

fasten the reins to a post

When might fix be a better fit than affix?

While in some cases nearly identical to affix, fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding.

fixed the stake in the ground

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of affix The faults uncovered were so egregious the courts affixed a penalty if they weren’t corrected. Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 That was the case long before the opening tip, when Dell Curry sat in the stands during Golden State’s morning shootaround, eyes affixed on Steph Curry. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025 Instead of being positioned on top of the head, they are affixed behind both ears and run across the face, not necessarily over any portion of the hair. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 Two officers detained and searched English, finding two devices constructed of 50-milliliter vodka bottles with gray cloth affixed to their tops, the court documents said, as well as a folding knife and a lighter. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affix

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Cite this Entry

“Affix.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affix. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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