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 There are green parrots, rosettes — and the cow — which can be affixed to a hat or jacket collar. Samantha Conti, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025 In a nod to the work’s title, Martin affixed a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses, left over from this past April’s solar event, to the canvas. Sarah Khan Jameson Montgomery Cathy Erway Lindsey Tramuta Jameson Montgomery Reggie Nadelson, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Inuit people have taken advantage of the sebum’s properties, even affixing shoe-like patches of polar bear fur to the bottom of stools to prevent them from sticking to the ice. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025 The property belongs to predator-like creep Sergey (Rupert Friend, channeling the guy any woman should avoid at a party), who is not well-acquainted with the buttons affixed to his very open shirt. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 29 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 2 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affix

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