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 The jacket’s long-sleeve cuffs can be rolled up or down and fastened with snap buttons, offering an adjustable length. Maggie Horton, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 Mark & Graham Monogrammed Travel Watch Roll $129 $75 Mark & Graham If they can’t be seen without their favorite watch (or second-favorite, or third-favorite) fastened around their wrist, upgrade their travel accessory situation with this personalized gift. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2024 Use bungee cords, stakes, or heavy rocks to fasten the cover in place securely. Michelle Ullman, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024 The choker itself takes the form of a strip of bamboo-fiber fabric which is fastened around the user's throat. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fasten 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • The Athletic reported that Moses Moody’s three-year, $39 million contract extension has some unique incentives attached to it worth an average of $500,000 per year.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Social psychology experiments show that people often cope with the specter of death by attaching themselves to cultural ideologies, such as religious, political, or even sports fandom.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Ohioans made their voices heard on Election Day, casting votes to secure Republican wins in the White House, U.S. Senate, Ohio Supreme Court and more.
    Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 20 Nov. 2024
  • In April, Golden Goose secured the advice of a savvy luxury industry professional, as former Gucci president and CEO Marco Bizzarri joined the board of directors, flanking the likes of former Chanel global CEO Maureen Chiquet, who was named chair of the company in 2020.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The series, like the book by Patrick Radden Keefe on which it’s based, focuses in part on the life of Dolours Price (Lola Petticrew), who became active in the IRA as a teenager.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
  • And by focusing on those, grown-ups may be able not only to save money and space, but also to help kids have more fun.
    Anna North, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • More importantly, this Gateway build bears Carroll Shelby’s signature on a dash plaque affixed to the glovebox.
    Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Gone are the cumbersome air hoses and control consoles; now the boots, which offer seven levels of intensity, are charged and controlled via an iPhone Max-sized touchscreen affixed to the outer thigh of each leg, or using the partner app.
    Ashley Mateo, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Easy-Way The whole shebang is clamped onto the stroller's frame above the rear axle, then angled down and locked in place so that the two rollers press down against the tops of the two rear wheels.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024
  • The earcups have a three-axis swivel mechanism, enabling users to get an ideal fit, with minimal clamping pressure.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Building libraries, paving streets, operating 911 systems or responding to medical emergency calls induces officials to concentrate on reality, not rhetoric.
    Cindy Chavez, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The record heat is expected to concentrate in the Northeast on Wednesday with record highs possible for major cities such as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City with temperatures close to 80 degrees.
    Max Golembo, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Boost’s fastest downloads, up to 1Gbps, come on phones such as Samsung’s Galaxy S24 that support four-channel carrier aggregation, in which the network ties multiple 5G channels together to maximize throughput.
    Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Jokic tipped in his own miss with 49 seconds left to tie the game and set up for Denver’s fifth win that has come down to the last possession of regulation.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Amy and Pati opted to go first in an attempt to prove their worth after hitching a helicopter ride the day prior.
    Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024
  • What is your general advice to any celebrity who might be getting hitched?
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fasten

Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fasten

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