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
  • Camilla first wore it on Coronation Day in May 2023, where it was affixed to the front of her coronation crown, which was also made for Queen Mary.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
  • But its lid is instead shaped into the squashed arch of a pizza oven, with a pizza stone that can be affixed to the grill top to achieve admirable pies at around 700 degrees.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 14 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
  • 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
  • The Devil Wears Prada was nominated for two Oscars: for Streep as Best Actress and Patricia Field’s Costume Design.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Two years ago, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the West LA division.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • The Mountain West Conference hired Willkie Farr & Gallagher to lead the investigation, and Heaphy was assigned to lead it.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 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
  • Walters noted that both direct and indirect loans to the general fund budget are drawn from special funds designated for specific purposes.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
  • Toronto removed another length option ahead of Wednesday’s contest, designating Spencer Turnbull for assignment to make room for Scherzer on the 40-man roster.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The bank named the stock a new top pick following its merger agreement with Flowserve in early June.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 5 July 2025
  • Murray named a joint bid between satirical news outlet The Onion and the Connecticut families as the winner of the auction in November.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 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 8 Jul. 2025.

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