attach

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2
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as in to confiscate
to take ownership or control of (something) by right of one's authority attached the house for nonpayment of property taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word attach distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of attach are affix, fasten, and fix. While all these words mean "to make something stay firmly in place," 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 could affix be used to replace attach?

The words affix and attach can be used in similar contexts, but affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.

affix your address label here

Where would fasten be a reasonable alternative to attach?

In some situations, the words fasten and attach are roughly equivalent. However, fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing.

fasten the reins to a post

When is it sensible to use fix instead of attach?

The synonyms fix and attach are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 attach Hochul unveiled the plan to expand control of Adams and city government on Thursday as questions continued to swirl about the mayor’s ability to lead the city independently in the wake the Trump Department of Justice’s decision to dismiss his criminal indictment with strings attached. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025 This season’s sweater trends include cardigans, sporty styles, and sweaters with scarves attached. Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025 The scientists proceeded to attach their nanoflowers to strips of electrospun nanofiber fabric. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2025 The dog is paddling alone in deep water with her leash still attached. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attach
Verb
  • Each have one of nearly 50 model numbers on labels affixed to the bottom of the products.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2025
  • They were affixed to dresses, tied back hair, and even adorned homewear.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Postal Service has a bipartisan board whose members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Democrats and postal workers oppose a merger.
    George Petras, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The programming shake-up is the first major change made by Ms. Kutler, who was appointed president this month.
    Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This was when the government of Robert Mugabe confiscated land in Zimbabwe in a very aggressive way.
    Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Their journey began more than a year ago when they were confiscated from smugglers at the Mexican border after being snatched from the wild, their mothers killed in the process.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trump nominated Ed Martin, an election denier who was outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, to be U.S. attorney for Washington.
    David Leonhardt, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Both Fender and Young are nominated on the night; the former is up for best rock/alternative act, while the latter is competing in the best pop act field.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And firefighters not assigned to the additional engines would have been available for other tasks.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Parks & Rec is requesting two new employees — a biologist and a mapping analyst — to help prevent environmental damage and to track brush management work that has been assigned and completed.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Unlike the single-state USSR largely led centrally by Moscow, the EU constitutes a supranational entity consisting of independent nations that adhere to a common set of laws drawn up and approved by participating representatives of member states.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Acceptance of a prize constitutes permission for Sponsor and its agencies to use a winner’s name and/or likeness, biographical information, and entry materials for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.
    TIME for Kids, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The gang, which was recently designated a terrorist organization, is being targeted for deportation back to their home countries.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Of the two, Huff has the advantage of being on the 40-man roster while Stassi is a non-roster invitee, which means the Giants would have to designate a player for assignment to make room.
    Justice delos Santos, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay was named Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast, further cementing his influence beyond sports commentary.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Their Wenzel Whiskey Sherry was named both the World's Best Finished Bourbon and the Best Kentucky Finished Bourbon.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attach. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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