attribute 1 of 2

1
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of a psychotherapist who's a little too quick to attribute every emotional problem or character defect to an unhappy childhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

attribute

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word attribute different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of attribute are ascribe, assign, credit, and impute. While all these words mean "to lay something to the account of a person or thing," attribute suggests less tentativeness than ascribe, less definiteness than assign.

attributed to Rembrandt but possibly done by an associate

When might ascribe be a better fit than attribute?

The words ascribe and attribute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascribe suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship.

forged paintings formerly ascribed to masters

In what contexts can assign take the place of attribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to attribute, assign implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation.

assigned the bones to the Cretaceous period

Where would credit be a reasonable alternative to attribute?

The words credit and attribute can be used in similar contexts, but credit implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation.

credited his teammates for his success

When is impute a more appropriate choice than attribute?

Although the words impute and attribute have much in common, impute suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame.

tried to impute sinister motives to my actions

Examples 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 attribute
Verb
Saweetie/Instagram The only thing that really gives away that the person in the photos is Saweetie is one of her own signature attributes: an elaborate manicure. Marci Robin, Allure, 31 Oct. 2024 Another donation of $50,000 on Sept. 11 was attributed to the archdiocese, too, but that actually came from the budget of the Colorado Catholic Conference, said Brittany Vessely, the organization’s executive director. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
About the only sports attribute that Stanton struggles with is free throws. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 So the sector may continue to struggle until a new type of battery rolls out with a remarkable combination of attributes. New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attribute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
  • Data collected in the late 1800s and early 1900s suggested different races have different lung capacities, a phenomenon researchers ascribed to innate biology rather than social, economic or environmental factors.
    Cassandra Willyard, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
  • Only Keynesians ascribe an ability of governments to increase demand, but that’s to the everlasting discredit of Keynesianism.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • More:Operation Lone Star explained: What's happening in Eagle Pass, Texas?
    John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • And, as a clinical social worker explains this morning, the problem is only getting worse.
    Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But experts say there are certain characteristics that kids’ favorite toys share.
    Anna North, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
  • But Americans have long had an outsize risk tolerance, a characteristic that is integral to both the dynamism of the country’s economy and the vibrance of its society.
    Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Mack was credited with four tackles, including one sack of Browns quarterback Jameis Winston and two tackles for losses of yardage.
    Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 8 Nov. 2024
  • What other tax changes are Harris and Trump proposing? Harris wants to help people buy homes and start businesses by creating a new $25,000 first-time homebuyers credit and expanding the deduction for startup business expenses from $5,000 to $50,000.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The other side: The Nooksack Tribal Council declined to comment this week, but justified the evictions in a statement released this month by asserting its sovereign right to govern housing on tribal lands and to prioritize the needs of its current members.
    Christine Clarridge, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • There and elsewhere, the songs punch above the weight necessary for Christmas fluff, but most fail to clear the bar of justifying their presence in an already padded runtime.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Medina’s early memories of the Northside feature mostly Latino faces.
    Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Saddles in the Hills Another hill-country feature to hunt is the famous saddle, or a low spot between two ridges.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • On the other hand, Harris has a significant edge on many character and personal traits, and her personal popularity ratings are a little better than Trump’s.
    Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Employees who are accustomed to managing multiple responsibilities may demonstrate greater adaptability and resilience, which are valuable traits in a rapidly changing business environment. Competitive Edge in Hiring.
    William Arruda, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which in the lead-up to the election made formal attributions of online propaganda campaigns to countries like Iran and Russia, declined to comment.
    Kevin Collier, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Friday’s disclosure follows the ODNI’s public attribution of three other fake videos in recent weeks to Russia.
    Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near attribute

Cite this Entry

“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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