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 My eyes shrunk to slits, trying to spot the glow sticks that The Medellín Cartel had affixed to their bounty, which slowly lit up the water’s surface like fluorescent fireflies. Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025 Newsprint accessorized, equally as important as the bags upon which it was affixed. Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 In each small group, rubber boots are donned and headlamps affixed snugly on half a dozen heads. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025 Simply affix your fresh purchase to a Pandora necklace strand and let its textured appearance add dimension to all your early fall outfits. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affix
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affix
attach
Verb
  • When not in use, the blanket folds directly into the pillow and can be attached to your suitcase handle with a convenient clip, and with this in tow, you’re guaranteed to be the envy of your seatmates.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • But a strain of fundamentalist politics attached itself to Trump early in his first term, lending that administration a socially-conservative anti-media heft.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affix.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affix. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affix

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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