attributes 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of attribute
1
as in ascribes
to explain (something) as being the result of something else attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force

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2
as in explains
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

attributes

2 of 2

noun

plural of attribute

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 attributes
Verb
Chief Humphrey attributes the positive trends to improved officer morale and a clearer departmental vision. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025 Dan Campbell attributes some of it to a short week, coming off a Monday night game. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Amy Sadao, a nonprofit consultant who until 2019 served as the director of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, attributes private museums’ lack of response this time around, in part, to their governing boards. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 The founder attributes much of that success to relatable content and affiliate partnerships. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 Vasilas attributes the brisk business to not having a lot of competition for the kind of service Ted’s Clothiers offers. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025 Today's announcement attributes autism to the use of Tylenol during pregnancy based on distorted 'science' and false claims. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 That's now been pushed back to April 2027, which Shell attributes to a delay in federal approval. Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2025 Davis, who has known Horn since his college days, attributes his maturity to his upbringing. Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
In addition to its technical performance attributes—including lightness, durability and elasticity comparable to virgin polyamide—Q-Cycle has a lower environmental impact, too. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025 Programmatic advertising lets buyers target audiences based on demographics, shopping patterns or other attributes. Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 But those very same attributes showed up early and often on a sunny, 75-degree day at the Friendly Confines. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Double down on developing those attributes to their maximum potential. Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 However, a comparison between the two revealed nearly identical morphologies, or physical attributes, leading researchers to revise that record as another golden-haired tube-nosed bat, according to the study. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 Tight end is a unique position, requiring the attributes and knowledge of almost all other offensive positions but hardly any of the glory. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 At the end of each, they’ll be awarded a choice of power-up that can boost their health, attack or defense, or imbue their abilities with elemental attributes. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025 Understanding Personalized And Contextual Security Personalized security customizes protections based on user attributes—such as roles, behaviors and historical interaction patterns. Pulak De, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attributes
Verb
  • This breakup analysis ascribes no value to the companies being under the same corporate parent.
    Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In between bites, Echols explains where his love of burgers came from.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Juliana Vanegas, a marine biologist who works with Alvarado, explains what happens.
    John Otis, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As a professor of science education, one of my goals while preparing future teachers is to introduce them to the characteristics of scientific knowledge and how it is developed.
    Ryan Summers, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Typical eldest daughter characteristics include being responsible, independent, empathic, caring, a perfectionist, stressed and anxious, the Cleveland Clinic notes.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wilson in large part credits her staff and her students for the school’s progress.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens directly credits Maxwell House for its existence.
    Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Also, research has shown this seasoning has antioxidant qualities.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Reviewers love its texture, temperature-regulating qualities, and its suitability for all seasons.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rose, for example, was picked for two fourballs matches, with his high birdie-rate and standout putting both useful traits for the format.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Taxonomists are instead working to preserve a planetary memory—an archive of life—and to decode which traits help creatures adapt, migrate, or otherwise survive in a rapidly changing climate.
    Marion Renault, The Atlantic, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Monica Hooper is an award-winning features writer specializing in entertainment news for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
    Dustin Staggs, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The cabin-style home’s external features are just as impressive as what’s inside, too.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This post was corrected on 21 January 2021 to clarify attributions.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 12 Jan. 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Attributes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attributes. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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