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
Two patients died during the trial (not attributed to the treatment), leaving 28 available for the 24-month follow-up assessment. New Atlas, 21 June 2025 Starting in 2027, the state plans to introduce a $100 monthly premium for adults without satisfactory immigration status, attributed to higher-than-expected spending and a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Noun
But there’s no conspiracy here, as many consumers understandably prefer gas stoves, water heaters, fireplaces and furnaces to their electrical alternatives because of their real-world cooking and heating attributes. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 June 2025 But the fire comes also with some attributes that can intimidate you, maybe even as a teammate. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
  • Top lawmakers involved in the debate, from the Republican bill sponsor to the top Democrat in the state House, have ascribed significance to the mysterious poll, mentioning its existence in legislative hearings, interviews and a press conference over the past several weeks.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2025
  • The adrenaline rush that reviewers ascribe to Ballerina misses the point.
    Armond White, National Review, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Most materials that are used to build homes in the U.S. are imported, Perotti explained.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 June 2025
  • Lee explains his perspective, as a sportswriter and as a fan, that teams and leagues are taking advantage of supporters.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • At this stage, Abiteboul explained the car is undergoing endurance dyno testing to fine tune the characteristics of the engine and gearbox.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • In matters of foreign policy and national security, the presidency now has the characteristics of a personalist dictatorship.
    ELIZABETH N. SAUNDERS, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Burns credited Wake Forest’s pitching lab for much of his development.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Climate change researchers have even pondered the effect that warmer climates could have on home runs, with a 2023 study in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society stating that more than 500 home runs since 2010 could be credited to global warming.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • In the show’s April 15 premiere, Jax strives to justify his actions in a confessional interview.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • This pattern suggests potential sensitivity to macroeconomic shocks. LLY Valuation Sensitivity: The company’s elevated multiple, while justified by growth prospects, creates vulnerability to any disappointment in execution or market sentiment shifts.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Shoppers love it, too: Over 1,000 pool owners have given the Scuba S1 a perfect rating, praising its long battery life and futuristic deep-cleaning features.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
  • McEnroe and Evert each gave TNT high marks for its debut, with the latter commentator praising the cable network’s willingness to experiment with big names and decidedly untraditional features.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The Dalmatian Club of America, for example, spent decades urging breeders to euthanize deaf puppies so the trait wouldn’t spread.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Additionally, the study also found a correlation between breathing traits and a person’s mental health.
    Jay Kakade June 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Like attribution, data aggregation has always been complex for businesses with smaller marketing budgets.
    John Readman, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The smaller figure’s attribution was meant to say Nvidia.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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