Definition of attachnext
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as in to confiscate
to take ownership or control of (something) by right of one's authority attached the house for nonpayment of property taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word attach distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of attach are affix, fasten, and fix. While all these words mean "to make something stay firmly in place," 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 could affix be used to replace attach?

The words affix and attach can be used in similar contexts, but affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.

affix your address label here

Where would fasten be a reasonable alternative to attach?

In some situations, the words fasten and attach are roughly equivalent. However, 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 fix instead of attach?

The synonyms fix and attach are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 attach Unlike an ordinary instruction that explicitly asks a robot to perform a harmful action, the trigger appeared as two seemingly unrelated letters attached to an otherwise normal request. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026 For fathers, working from home affects family routines, caregiving, mothers’ careers, mental health, retention and the silent career tax attached to visible care. — Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 Then match the oil to the problem rather than the celebrity attached to it. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 For now, Burrell is attached as an exec producer; John Fox and John Davis are also non-writing executive producers. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attach
Verb
  • Swank shared the news in a creative Instagram video of herself, husband Philip Schneider, and their three-year-old twins dancing in the dark with glow sticks affixed to their bodies.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Not far away is Lucas’s now iconic photograph Chicken Knickers (1997), showing a raw whole chicken affixed to the front of a woman’s underwear.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • He was appointed by Commissioner Richard Lara to serve on the city’s charter review committee and recently resigned from the city’s planning and zoning board to run for office.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Rooms Standard rooms are classic in look and feel with dark wood furniture and neutral fabrics, yet appointed with modern embellishments such as universal outlets and bedside light controls.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Police confiscated the robot and two cell phones belonging to the suspects.
    — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The robot and the two young men's mobile phones were confiscated.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Over the course of her long career, Curtis, 67, has developed a lengthy résumé in film and television, winning numerous accolades along the way, including an Oscar and an Emmy (she’s been nominated for a Grammy too — there’s still time for an EGOT).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Sakharov winner is chosen by the European Parliament's president and top EU lawmakers from among candidates nominated by the parliament’s various political groups.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The airman was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, out of Nellis Air Force Base.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • All registered voters were assigned a probability of voting to produce likely voter results.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Brecka did not respond to requests for comment, but Chris Woodward, a public relations representative for him, said in an email that the health issues discussed on Brecka’s podcast do not constitute medical advice.
    — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The songs constitute the first new music she’s released since tying the knot with husband Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in July.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After the Minnesota Twins designated Trevor Megill for assignment in April 2023, the Brewers acquired the reliever for Taylor Floyd, who hasn't appeared in a major league game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Boucher said the California couple designated her as their spokesperson and wished to remain anonymous.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Moore was named the Cougars’ new head coach this past offseason, while Miller left his role as wide receivers coach at Boise State to become offensive coordinator in Pullman; both coaches played together at Boise State in the early 2010s.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Construction has already begun on the new district, named the Water Gardens, which will include two hotels and residential and office towers, and is set for completion before the end of 2028.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attach. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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