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
Seroka attributed the decrease in job opportunities to lower cargo volume moving through the port. Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025 Marketing-Sourced Pipeline This figure helps executives understand how much sales revenue can be directly attributed to marketing and PR channels. Andrea Aker, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
The Clog industry is undergoing an evolution, shifting from functional attributes to cultural and social attributes. Footwear News, 23 May 2025 If, through some freaky genetic engineering, a scientist could combine the physical attributes of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, what might be the result? Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
  • The latest results show the trend exists across demographic groups, even as some groups are slightly less likely to ascribe meaningful differences to the political parties.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 2 June 2025
  • With an Apple account solely dedicated to your Apple TV box and Apple TV hardware and software tracking disabled as much as possible, Apple would have minimal data to ascribe to you as an Apple TV owner.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Furthermore these efforts should also find ways to explain the costs of AI use from an environmental perspective.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Nivola in Lochlan’s season-ending near-death experience and Koch in a one-take episode in which Erik explains to his attorney the abuse within the Menendez household.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 7 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
  • The tune, which doesn’t actually credit Creed at all, is essentially just a dancified reworking of the early rock win.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Upon first visiting Manhattan back in 1915, Moore had credited the editors of the little magazines and her experience at Alfred Stieglitz’s gallery, 291, with instilling in her the desire to move.
    Susan Gubar June 9, Literary Hub, 9 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
  • The refresh rate has also become an important feature.
    Luke Larsen, Wired News, 15 June 2025
  • Standard features of note include a Victron dual-lithium battery electrical system with 3,000-W inverter and smart control panel, 250-L fresh water capacity, underfloor heating, Truma Combi diesel air and water heater, and a 2.4-kW Truma rooftop air conditioner.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • The study found that, once again, this trait strongly predicted breadcrumbing, and was also associated with ghosting behaviors.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Compared with the other dragons in the original, which character designer Nico Marlet imagined with comically lopsided proportions — bulgy eyes, oversize heads, ungainly fangs — Toothless was an elegant mix of feline and canine traits, mapped onto a sleek black reptilian body.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Especially in performance marketing, where affiliate programs, attribution logic and performance optimization all run on technical fluency and human judgment.
    David Pickard, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • The design also balances user experience with publisher ecosystem health by ensuring clear attribution and driving traffic back to original sources.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

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