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 These covers slide onto your faucet and fasten easily with a hook-and-loop strap and cord. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 9 Dec. 2024 Southwest Airlines will start landing procedures at a higher altitude, requiring travelers to fasten their seatbelts and put away laptops and tray tables earlier in the flight. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024 While the brooches Queen Camilla fastened to her coat collar held significant sentimental value, the color of her ensemble also featured a certain sartorial message. Julia Teti, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024 Middleton looked vibrant and healthy while wearing a long red coat with a large black bow fastened to the collar. Janelle Ash, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fasten 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • There are mainly two types of focus placement in monocular design: one where the focus wheel is attached to the top of the body and the other where a collar is built into the body.
    Matt Morris, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • To do that, someone would likely need to create a type of digital skin that would attach to a robotic limb and rapidly collect and interpret data about the world.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Candidates find themselves in a precarious position, balancing the desire to secure fair compensation against the fear of jeopardizing the opportunity.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • French television program sellers are placing extra impetus on this week’s Paris screenings events with MIPTV no longer on their schedules, with deals secured on new shows such as France 2 drama The Black Widow.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This keeps the plant tidy and attractive and focuses its energy on healthy new growth.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Directed by Ali Abbasi, the film is a biographical character study of a young Donald Trump, focusing on his formative years and the traits that would eventually define his presidency.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Joe Fong driving a taxi with five cellphones affixed on his dashboard.
    David Pierson, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Survival of the concentration camps, too, is an ordeal affixed to the pair like an identifying sticker, devoid of any subjectivity and specificity, never to be discussed by them.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Jojo was ready with her .243 clamped into a tripod.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Some drivers choose to weld their converters in place rather than clamping them, but even this isn’t foolproof.
    Josh Max, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • At Alice + Olivia spring/summer 2025, hints of shimmer were placed at the inner corners and concentrated to the middle of the lids to brighten up eyes.
    Rebecca Fearn, refinery29.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • This helps to concentrate the flavors and produce a high-proof spirit.
    Emily Price, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • While job openings aren't directly tied to the unemployment rate, an increase in open roles is a promising sign for the U.S. labor market and economy as a whole.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Footwear giant Puma filed a last-minute notice of opposition against Tiger Woods’ logos tied to his Sun Day Red brand, according to a filing last week.
    Jessica Golden, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • More news: Mets Meet With All-Star Free Agent Closer: Report The Mets are an unlikely suitor for Verdugo, if only because they are hitched to Juan Soto to a corner outfield position for the next 15 years.
    Newsweek, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • While formerly hitching his horse behind Farage, Musk suddenly turned on him on Sunday, publicly calling for his replacement as leader of the Reform U.K. party.
    Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fasten

Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fasten

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