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 34 shoes found at the Magna fort, however, are in worse condition than those retrieved from Vindolanda decades ago — a problem Frame attributes to the changing climate. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 July 2025 The latest shift is largely attributed to an attitude change among Republicans, 64% of whom now view immigration as a good thing, up from 39% in 2024. Brendan Rascius july 11, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Noun
Politeness and kindness are attributes that parents want to reinforce and encourage in their children. Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025 At the same time, as someone famously said, ‘there’s no compression algorithm for experience, and experience and sound judgement are not intrinsically an attribute of generative AI, which at best is 4 years old and still undergoing rapid evolution. Marco Argenti, Fortune, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
  • Based on those intense interactions, the temptation to ascribe God-like powers to the AI is going to be huge.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Another trait often ascribed to footballers is courage — the kind that enables them to put their head into a frenzy of flying boots, or take a decisive penalty when thousands are willing them to fail.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • There are nearly 50 species of pine trees native to North America with diverse characteristics and growing preferences.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
  • That’s why researchers have spent decades trying to use genetics and behavioral characteristics to divide the spectrum into meaningful subtypes.
    Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • That being said, several editors credited the whole tomatoes and kick of black pepper for making the dish seem more fresh.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • The aging rock outfit — credited as one of the inventors of heavy metal — played to tens of thousands of fans in Birmingham, England, where the group got its start.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • At 44-feet long, the town's new ladder truck has a compact wheelbase for improved maneuverability— an essential feature for navigating the town’s narrower roads and residential areas, Interim Fire Chief Matthew Lupo explained.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
  • Other notable features include an adjustable strap with a flat buckle and supersoft fabric.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • For almost 10,000 years, people in the Arctic have kept dogs for hunting and sledding, breeding them for desirable traits.
    Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    Khloe Quill , Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Unlike high-profile hacks with clear attribution and corporate response, this breach is fragmented.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • So the attribution of anthropogenic climate change was proven beyond reasonable doubt, with 97% acceptance among scientists.
    Oliver Swainston, Space.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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