attach

Definition of attachnext
1
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 Boese said Casap developed a plan in late 2024 to target Trump with an AK-47 rifle attached to a drone. Todd Richmond, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026 The PetCam attaches to your pet's collar and works like an action camera, streaming 1080p video from its perspective to your phone. Angela Moscaritolo, PC Magazine, 7 Mar. 2026 When a broker becomes emotionally attached to one number and defends it without regard to changing conditions, credibility suffers. Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026 There are no screenshots, no passwords and no files attached. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attach
Verb
  • August Grove Rotella Metal Planter Planters add instant curb appeal, and this one that affixes to a railing is durable, easy to mount, and looks great on a variety of home styles.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • According to wildlife officials, the couple may have laid an egg in early February, based on their activity tracked by GPS devices affixed to them.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At the end of the year, the court order became permanent, and Jamie was appointed conservator with attorney Andrew Wallet named as co-conservator.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Uthmeier is now Florida attorney general, appointed to a vacancy by DeSantis, and is up for election this fall.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Prison staff shall confiscate all free-of-charge social accommodations currently in use.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Desert Diamond Arena may confiscate items that could cause danger or disruption or are in breach of building policies.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member body will be allocated through a proportional representation system, under which political parties nominate lawmakers based on their share of the vote.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • HollyShorts Alumni Celebration The Aster A toast to the HollyShorts alumni nominated at the Oscars, from A Friend of Dorothy, Jane Austen’s Period Drama, Butterfly, The Singers, Retirement Plan and The Girl Who Cried Pearls.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The remaining 110 seats are allocated through a proportional representation system, under which political parties are assigned seats based on their share of the vote.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Other drivers were assigned to amphibious construction units, demolition teams, air wings and carrier deck commands.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This column does not constitute legal advice.
    Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Using Kurdish political aspirations as a battering ram against Tehran – without any genuine commitment to Kurdish statehood or autonomy – would, in my opinion, constitute a betrayal.
    John Calabrese, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The gift was designated to further advance and highlight essential and high-level glioblastoma research at UC San Diego, in addition to inspiring others to follow suit and ultimately contribute to this critical and developing area of medical research.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The Broncos will formally release Dre Greenlaw once the new league year begins Wednesday afternoon and designate him a post-June 1 release, a source told The Post on Tuesday.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Mohammad Pakpour, the most recent IRGC chief, was among those killed during the opening salvo, and it’s believed that Ahmad Vahidi, who had been named deputy chief in December, has taken the reins.
    Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Herro had played in nine straight games and was just named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday before being ruled out for Tuesday’s game because of left quad soreness.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attach. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on attach

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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