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 Police also found ammunition, a 2x4 wood board with what appeared to be smoke canisters affixed to it and a belt of magazine pouches around the suspect's body. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025 Pinion gears at each end of the layshaft engaged with the internal teeth of ring-gears that were firmly affixed to the truck’s steel-shod cart wheels. Ian Baker august 24, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025 Their playing continues for about a minute further, according to the video, when a stagehand appears to come on stage and remove a Palestinian flag that the band had affixed to one of its speakers. Max Saltman, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025 Additionally, state regulations prohibit unauthorized signs in the Right-of-Way, such as signage that is installed in the ground or affixed to a structure, such as the fence on a highway overpass. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affix
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affix
attach
Verb
  • That accusation was included as a footnote attached to documents the government filed in immigration court.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The area was hit heavily by flooding and widespread destruction because the Mississippi River attaches at the mouth of the ward.
    Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affix.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affix. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affix

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