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 Historically, the council has affixed amendments to a bulletin board in council chambers. Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 With only a few minutes to go until stoppage time, France's Kylian Mbappé was spotted on the bench with his cleats off, with what appeared to be an ice pack affixed to his right foot/ankle area. Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026 Instead of being possessed of the mindset of rallying without its best player, Team USA was put in an untenable position — a victory would have been affixed with an asterisk in the eyes of many. Vahe Gregorian july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 That sounds simple, but the complexity of counting calories went mainstream recently, when a lawsuit accused the maker of David protein bars of affixing labels that misrepresent how many calories and how much fat the products contain. ABC News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for affix
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affix
attach
Verb
  • This is the first time Xi has attended the flagship event since its launch in 2018, a clear signal of the importance Beijing attaches to AI and the mounting competition with the US to lead its future.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The twist is that she’s already attached to Reynolds (Ben Foster), who looks like a dweeb — but is, in fact, an extremely wealthy and powerful drug kingpin.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Affix.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affix. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on affix

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster