Synonym Chooser

How is the word fasten distinct from other similar verbs?

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

In some situations, the words affix and fasten are roughly equivalent. However, affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.

affix your address label here

When could attach be used to replace fasten?

Although the words attach and fasten have much in common, 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 can fix be used instead of fasten?

While the synonyms fix and fasten are close in meaning, fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding.

fixed the stake in the ground

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 fasten While flying remains an extremely safe way to travel, passengers should heed advice from cabin crew to keep their seatbelt fastened whenever they are seated, and to always obey the seatbelt sign and remain buckled in whenever it is illuminated. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024 The convenient gold clasp securely fastens to their keychain and a snap closure keeps the Airpods snug inside the padded case. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 The waterproof rubber outer wraps around the entire foot, like a duck boot, while the water-resistant nylon uppers (the women’s version comes in suede or leather) are durable, flexible, and wide enough to easily fasten over ski pants. Svati Kirsten Narula, Outside Online, 25 Oct. 2024 Gold buttons were fastened to the cuffs of the blazer, which Berry used as inspiration for the rest of her accessories. Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fasten 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • The potential series is not yet attached to a specific network or streaming platform.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
  • So, in America, ridiculously, much value is attached to jobs that give you the privilege of being messed around by UnitedHealthcare and its competitors.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, traveled to Israel this week in a final effort to secure a cease-fire before Trump enters.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Gabriel led the Ducks to a perfect 13-0 record, securing the Big Ten Championship against Penn State and the top seed in the College Football Playoff.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The movie is constructed like a visual scrap quilt made in a meticulous and orderly fashion, sometimes focusing on Elwood's life in the '60s and other times flashing forward to the near-present day.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The Brighter Days Community Initiative, announced in June by the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, is the first in the area to focus solely on teenagers and young adults ages 16 to 24.
    Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • That’s when probation officers first affixed a GPS device on his ankle.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
  • One of the key ways the brand achieves making these kinds of sturdy home decor is by pairing their rugs with a nonslip pad that affixes to the material.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • There was not nearly as much of a reaction from starfish when the arms were clamped in the middle or end.
    Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024
  • On one particular rep with the backups, he got clamped by Kindle Vildor.
    Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 2 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • More time spent on social media means less time is being spent learning, concentrating and focusing on academic excellence.
    Omer Awan, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Like many democracies, France is grappling with immigration, globalization, electoral polarization, and a changing media landscape that concentrates power in the hands of billionaires.
    Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The offensive came at a time when Assad’s key backers were tied down or weakened by other conflicts: the Russians in Ukraine, and Iran and Hezbollah with Israel.
    Rania Abouzeid, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Ultimately, the luxury customer experience (CX) is inextricably tied to the employee experience (EX).
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fasten

Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fasten

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