attribute 1 of 2

1
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of a psychotherapist who's a little too quick to attribute every emotional problem or character defect to an unhappy childhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

attribute

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word attribute different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of attribute are ascribe, assign, credit, and impute. While all these words mean "to lay something to the account of a person or thing," attribute suggests less tentativeness than ascribe, less definiteness than assign.

attributed to Rembrandt but possibly done by an associate

When might ascribe be a better fit than attribute?

The words ascribe and attribute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascribe suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship.

forged paintings formerly ascribed to masters

In what contexts can assign take the place of attribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to attribute, assign implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation.

assigned the bones to the Cretaceous period

Where would credit be a reasonable alternative to attribute?

The words credit and attribute can be used in similar contexts, but credit implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation.

credited his teammates for his success

When is impute a more appropriate choice than attribute?

Although the words impute and attribute have much in common, impute suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame.

tried to impute sinister motives to my actions

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 attribute
Verb
Trade experts attributed the shift in trade patterns to on-and-off tariffs under the administration of President Donald Trump. Dian Zhang, USA Today, 15 May 2025 As with so many scientific principles, it was misdiagnosed by ancient Greeks such as Aristotle, who attributed it to human vision. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 15 May 2025
Noun
Rebecca’s wholehearted characteristics and attributes connect her to the Water sign Pisces, who takes on problems with others due to their absorbance and empathetic nature. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025 These attributes are highly relevant to the challenges faced by modern organizations. Scott Graybeal, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
  • As a form bending, multi-disciplinary artist influenced by the Black Arts movement, Williams ascribes art as functional often using his platform to shed light on Cop Cities across the country, critique both American political parties and decry war and genocide.
    Nia Shumake, Essence, 15 May 2025
  • An Instagram account ascribed to Lanez said the rapper was stabbed 14 times — including seven wounds to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head and one to his face.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump further explained his stance during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, which aired on Tuesday night.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 May 2025
  • Gilroy also explains Cassian's nod to the Force Healer. Poor, poor, poor Dedra.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Titan shows all the characteristics of a planet – including rivers, lakes, clouds, rain and even a salty subsurface ocean.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Rebecca’s wholehearted characteristics and attributes connect her to the Water sign Pisces, who takes on problems with others due to their absorbance and empathetic nature.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • During a recent legislative hearing, the program’s executive director credited it with helping to reduce the number of Florida children in foster care by 7,000.
    Christopher O’Donnell, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
  • Ryan credited an early three-run lead with making all the difference.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Some were concerned the data was being used to justify efforts to combat climate change, although the rising cost of weather disasters is due to more than just global warming.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • This would effectively challenge pharmaceutical companies to justify their pricing to America, leading to equitable pricing.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively reveal the first trailer from the feature film debut of Belgian director Valéry Carnoy.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 May 2025
  • The banner will also launch international sales of the feature at the Marche du Film amid the Cannes Film Festival market.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Powered by Adelaide, Forbes AI Psychological safety, defined by McKinsey as the absence of interpersonal fear, is often cited as a defining trait of high-performing, innovative teams.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Wirtz is focused more on the micro, with delicate touches and deft flicks, compared to Szoboszlai’s macro traits of energy and power.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • As the pollster noted, respondents' choices could be an endorsement or an attribution of blame, depending on their assessment of current economic conditions.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
  • In some ways, attribution bias serves the purpose of promoting self-esteem, which helps people overcome challenges in life, White said.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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