attach

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2
3
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 Report: Steelers Pull Off Blockbuster Trade for Jalen Ramsey Ramsey being traded was well-known, and he had been attached to the Steelers for months. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 Other worthwhile features include a back-zip pocket with a hidden hook that attaches to fences, a magnetic shoulder strap that can also be worn across the back and optional monogram embroidery. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 June 2025 The Blue Jackets expect all six players drafted this weekend — among others, including last year’s No. 4 pick Cayden Lindstrom — to attend their summer development camp, which runs July 2-5 in the practice rink attached to Nationwide Arena. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025 His contract is a strong candidate to appear in a trade, however, and there’s a chance Dallas needs to attach it to an asset to get below the second apron. John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for attach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attach
Verb
  • Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories (subset of larceny) – The unlawful taking of any part or accessory affixed to the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle in a manner which would make the item an attachment of the vehicle or necessary for its operation.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
  • And once Theo is affixing Lizzy’s lost bracelet to her wrist while looking at her with those eyes?
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The 12-member Guardian Council, half of whom are appointed by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, approved it the next day.
    Nabih Bulos Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
  • When Herve Renard was appointed, the FFF publicly announced the aim was to at least make the semi-finals of the World Cup and Olympics but this time there has been no such proclamation.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The agents ultimately released him, but confiscated his driver’s license.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
  • Most importantly, Johnson must support police Superintendent Larry Snelling’s request for the authority to call a snap curfew in emergencies and direct city agencies to confiscate vehicles and other personal property from those who engage in disruptive behavior.
    Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • It was nominated for nine Academy Awards including Best Picture, and ultimately won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Editing.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 June 2025
  • Last year, she was nominated alongside such luminaries as Meryl Streep, Christina Ricci, and J. Smith-Cameron for a Golden Globe, eventually losing to Elizabeth Debicki for her performance as Princess Diana in The Crown.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Freeman Martin said during the Sunday press conference that there are 230 DPS personnel assigned to Kerr County.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • As of Friday afternoon, 608 personnel, four helicopters, 46 fire engines and seven bulldozers had been assigned to fight the fire.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The United Kingdom, historically Gavi’s top donor, issued a pledge that constituted a 40% cut in real terms from the last commitment made under conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
    Jennifer Lotito, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Such contradictory feelings stemmed from the fact that management consultants constituted then, and still do now, the vanguard of corporate work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The route will weave through urban, suburban and rural parts of the corridor while designating paddling points along the South Fork River.
    Abby Pender, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
  • The company, led by Jamie Gamache and Connor O’Hara, is the first production company working on feature films to receive the certification, which assesses a company’s operations and designates businesses that are socially and environmentally conscious.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • That same year, Water Street, which ran where River Road is today, was the first street to be named.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 5 July 2025
  • The bank named the stock a new top pick following its merger agreement with Flowserve in early June.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attach. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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