Definition of affixnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affix distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affix are attach, fasten, and fix. While all these words mean "to make something stay firmly in place," affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.

affix your address label here

When can attach be used instead of affix?

The words attach and affix are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use fasten instead of affix?

The synonyms fasten and affix are sometimes interchangeable, but fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing.

fasten the reins to a post

When might fix be a better fit than affix?

While in some cases nearly identical to affix, 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 affix After residents learned about her favorite color, the yellow ribbons that had initially been affixed to utility poles and car antennas were replaced with purple ones. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Feb. 2026 Tía had affixed it to the door with layers of transparent tape. Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026 Sawdust sprays as Matt Sams meticulously sands the edges of a balcony railing that will soon be affixed to the front of a house. Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026 In the calls, Mary detailed to the deputies the steps Nathan was taking to kill her, from affixing a tracker on her car to stashing a black backpack in her garage containing duct tape, zip ties and a note with the word ‘waterboarding’ written on it. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affix
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affix
attach
Verb
  • Although Macfarlane voices Stan and is the biggest name attached to the show, for most of its existence, the series was handled by the other co-creators Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman; Weitzman is still co-showrunner of the series along with Brian Boyle.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2026
  • We are emotionally attached to our data.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Affix.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affix. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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