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
The founder attributes much of that success to relatable content and affiliate partnerships. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 This is the second wastewater release this year attributed to an error by the contractor, Veolia Water Milwaukee. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Feel free to think about your ex and use what didn’t work with him, but don’t limit your list to only his attributes. Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025 So the personalities are different but the core motivations and attributes are there for all naval aviators. ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
  • Boelter’s motivation remains unclear, but investigators found a one-and-a-half-page letter, described as rambling and difficult to read, that was ascribed to him.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • In that vacuum, Republicans have often ascribed political bias as the motivation without providing concrete evidence to back it up, said Stevenson, the debanking expert.
    Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Erika Kirk also explained why a small stuffed puppet was sitting beside Kirk’s empty microphone.
    Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, Pittsburgh’s defense rested on the idea that the taxes equal out when considering the school-district tax—a point, as explained above, that failed to persuade the judges who have presided over this litigation.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More than 900 properties across the city contributed to the honor and were celebrated for the same characteristics that can lead to a citation under the vegetation ordinance.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Today, Bath & Body Works finally unveils their new Touch of Gold collection that embodies those same characteristics in a bodycare and home fragrance line.
    Alisa Rendor, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Accepting the award, Wilson was quick to credit her teammates and reflect on the obstacles the Aces faced this season.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The Mandalorian was credited with proving that Star Wars could work on the small screen.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Fundamentals Relative to peers, FTNT trades at a modest premium on forward P/E multiples, but its profitability metrics far exceed industry averages, justifying upside potential.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Two years out, the consensus rises modestly to $69, and to $77 five years from now, levels many independents say are too low to justify new drilling.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But these estimates may miss major factors — like changes in the local market or unique features of the home.
    Mary Beth Eastman, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The other feature is how Glasner’s side creates space for their centre-backs to attack.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jan Böhmermann in Germany, Spain’s El Gran Wyoming, France’s Yann Barthès, Italy’s Maurizio Crozza and Dutch comic Arjen Lubach all share traits with their American counterparts, but none command comparable influence.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Many of the letters submitted to Judge Subramanian acknowledge the music mogul’s flawed behavior revealed during his trial and asked the judge to consider his positive personality traits and recent personal growth.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • OpenAI likely isn’t getting financial credit for its role in that transaction, because the old ways of tracking purchase credit through cookies and last-click attribution largely don’t work in this new world.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • With uncertainty about third-party tracking and walled gardens controlling data access, traditional attribution is losing accuracy and reliability.
    Bernard May, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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