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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Theodros attributes the frustrations boiling over in recent votes to broader discussions about income inequality and affordability playing out across the country. Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 The research firm attributes the renaissance to health-conscious Gen Zers, whose idea of a wild night is a cup of milky sugar with probiotics and protein. Sam Klebanov, Fortune, 17 June 2026 Jean Lim Flores, a Korean American from Los Angeles, attributes it to both teams' underdog status. Juliana Kim, NPR, 17 June 2026 Murphy attributes those early years for building the version of herself witnessed on the ice today. Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 16 June 2026 Ellingham attributes this decline to the country’s rising labor costs, causing companies to seek out a cheaper needle in locales like Vietnam. Sj Studio, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 The company’s 2024 internal sleep pilots reported a 39% improvement in sleep-quality scores across four weeks, which Pulsetto attributes to calmer nights driven by vagus nerve stimulation. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026 The key is to define precisely the competencies, experience and leadership attributes the CEO must have to perform the role effectively, considering the challenges the organization will face over the next five to 10 years. Susana Sierra, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Dolci attributes the growth to a content mix that crosses language lines rather than relying on any single source. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 June 2026
Noun
What are the attributes, skills and qualifications that make this person a superior candidate? Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 While a kit’s physical attributes are important for athletes, its appearance is just as significant for fans who sport the jerseys and want to feel connected to their team. ABC News, 26 June 2026 Dybantsa is a jumbo wing with superb athleticism and scoring skill who also has all the attributes necessary to develop into a good defender. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 25 June 2026 Students who didn’t fall in love showed the opposite trend a shrinking list of attributes, suggesting a loss of self-esteem. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 Davis points out that the mansion's unique attributes presented a tricky subject for the cover's artists. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 In addition to opacity, each of us prioritize varying secondary attributes in concealer (wrinkle-smoothing, crease-resistance, and ease of use, for instance). Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 14 June 2026 If those two attributes come attached to a 6-foot-6 frame, even better. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 9 June 2026 Indigenous words for towns and rivers often reflect their natural attributes, offering the perspective of the land's original inhabitants. Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attributes
Verb
  • In line with the science of his time, which said that lunar craters were volcanic, Verne ascribes his flickering light to an eruption.
    Neil Oseman, Space.com, 14 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Brewer ascribes Starbucks’ success in Italy, where even the average person is a coffee connoisseur, to offering people, especially young people, a place to relax and enjoy a coffee.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Wilson explains that those differences include such elements as bespoke billet door handles and mirrors, LED headlights, and a tailgate equipped with a backup camera.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 26 June 2026
  • This brief video below explains how that's changed over the years.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Lime Kiln Theater combines all three of those characteristics, offering an annual summer lineup of live performances at its legendary outdoor venue (an old limestone quarry and kiln).
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
  • Continuous review President reviews, according to CSU policy, allow the CSU board of trustees to understand the unique characteristics of each campus, assess their leadership and further the school’s progress.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Roosevelt credits that experience with transforming him from a frail, nearsighted youth into a rugged individual who years later would become the 26th president and a pioneering conservationist.
    Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Glenn Lowry, the former head of MOMA, credits the work with helping rebuild attendance after the pandemic, and saw it as a mise en abyme for the museum.
    Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Max’s qualities, as a colleague and friend, were clear for all those who were lucky enough to work with him.
    Guy Davies, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • Experts advise looking beyond dominant traits and considering qualities like collaboration and curiosity when identifying future leaders.
    Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Low volatility and low correlation are the whole selling point, the two traits that win an asset a place in a diversified portfolio.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Those traits can certainly be found in the Dolphins’ draft class.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Other popular dating services aren’t charging for AI matchmaking features.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • Update to the latest version to see all Vogue content, as well as new features like our Runway Genius quiz, Group Chats, and posts from Vogue contributors.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • The work has bounced between several attributions over the years before scholar Giuseppe Porzio identified it as a painting by Glielmo, giving bidders a fresh reason to take notice.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
  • Political discussions on social media are often dominated by competing attributions of more and more insidious motives to people on the other side.
    Mark Schroeder, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attributes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attributes. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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