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
as in characteristics
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
list the attributes of a mammal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of attributes
Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Edward Coulson, an economics professor at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, attributes the low numbers to the region’s expensive home prices and down payment challenges.
—Amancai Biraben, Daily News, 14 May 2026
Goldman attributes it largely to lifestyle creep, the phenomenon of luxuries quietly becoming necessities.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 May 2026
Disney attributes the change to a slight downturn in international visits, but notes domestic and local travel remains strong and does not yet seem affected by rising gas prices.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Nolan attributes much of his success to his frequent collaborators.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026
Endocrinologist Caroline Messer, MD, attributes the surge in awareness to the prevalence of GLP-1s.
—Alice Gregory, Vogue, 11 May 2026
Hotez attributes this to humans increasingly interacting with wildlife and their habitats, including through urbanization and deforestation.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 9 May 2026
College football adopts some NFL attributes Such moves represent a shift in college football.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
To come up with its list, World Atlas evaluated towns across the country for attributes such as friendly locals, high community spirit, local institutions (such as staple neighborhood restaurants), and special events, singling out a dozen for their welcoming vibes.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026
This means that the zodiac sign (namely its attributes, element and modality) Venus transits through can determine the personality of the transit.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Both books feature protagonists who are out of their elements but also possess unique attributes that first get them into trouble before becoming their one slim hope to escape.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
Being outside of rigid categories, not beholden to dominant attributes, can be alienating.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
But looking at players with similar characteristics in the same age range, like physical attributes, production, play-driving and other stylistic ticks, can help point to comparables and create a range of outcomes for an up-and-comer.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 14 May 2026
AlShehail noted several attributes of Saudi fashion that are setting it apart.
—Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 10 May 2026
The bongos are shy and can camouflage despite their distinct white stripes, and these attributes are critical for their survival in the wild.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Verb
The Army vet also attributes his long life to working out at the YMCA.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Edward Coulson, an economics professor at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, attributes the low numbers to the region’s expensive home prices and down payment challenges.
—Amancai Biraben, Daily News, 14 May 2026
Goldman attributes it largely to lifestyle creep, the phenomenon of luxuries quietly becoming necessities.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 May 2026
Disney attributes the change to a slight downturn in international visits, but notes domestic and local travel remains strong and does not yet seem affected by rising gas prices.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Nolan attributes much of his success to his frequent collaborators.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026
Endocrinologist Caroline Messer, MD, attributes the surge in awareness to the prevalence of GLP-1s.
—Alice Gregory, Vogue, 11 May 2026
Hotez attributes this to humans increasingly interacting with wildlife and their habitats, including through urbanization and deforestation.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 9 May 2026
College football adopts some NFL attributes Such moves represent a shift in college football.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Noun
The fabric itself feels thick and slightly suctioning, working with the body rather than suppressing your best attributes.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
To come up with its list, World Atlas evaluated towns across the country for attributes such as friendly locals, high community spirit, local institutions (such as staple neighborhood restaurants), and special events, singling out a dozen for their welcoming vibes.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026
This means that the zodiac sign (namely its attributes, element and modality) Venus transits through can determine the personality of the transit.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Both books feature protagonists who are out of their elements but also possess unique attributes that first get them into trouble before becoming their one slim hope to escape.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
Being outside of rigid categories, not beholden to dominant attributes, can be alienating.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
But looking at players with similar characteristics in the same age range, like physical attributes, production, play-driving and other stylistic ticks, can help point to comparables and create a range of outcomes for an up-and-comer.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 14 May 2026
AlShehail noted several attributes of Saudi fashion that are setting it apart.
—Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 10 May 2026
The bongos are shy and can camouflage despite their distinct white stripes, and these attributes are critical for their survival in the wild.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attributes
Verb
-
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
-
This breakup analysis ascribes no value to the companies being under the same corporate parent.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As renowned cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson explains, consumers are gravitating toward multitasking formulas that deliver both color and skin-care benefits in a single swipe.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
-
That last fact explains why this ‘hood is where a lot of visiting supporter groups like to start their marches toward the stadium.—
Gavin Godfrey,
AJC.com,
22 May 2026
Noun
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For decades, scientists debated whether these characteristics were primitive leftovers or later evolutionary reversals and this new research leans toward the first explanation.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
-
Each type of light fixture forms the same general structure, but with individual characteristics informed by the mercurial nature of glass.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
23 May 2026
Verb
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When building the balance sheet, the Fed credits itself with digital cash and uses it to buy assets from banks, creating reserves.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
-
Woldegebriel credits an early opportunity to open a storefront on Bond Street in Manhattan — made possible by Kenneth Cole — as a defining moment in the company’s trajectory.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Benefits of Almonds for Heart Health While combining dark chocolate and almonds has a positive impact on heart health, each food provides distinct cardioprotective qualities that contribute to these benefits.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
-
The juries will hate its repetitive qualities, but the public will embrace its deep, profound, abiding grooviness.—
Glen Weldon,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Researchers from Fukushima University and Hirosaki University analyzed DNA samples from the mutant animals and discovered that the offspring inherited key reproductive traits from domestic pigs.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
-
The Lego form allows other versions of these characters to be brought together and for their unifying personality and traits to come out.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Rather than targeting flavors, the FDA said its new enforcement approach will focus on vapes with specific youth-appealing features, such as designs that resemble children’s toys.—
Matthew Perrone,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
-
They're designed with races in mind and lack many safety features that come with passenger cars built by automakers for typical driving.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
This post was corrected on 21 January 2021 to clarify attributions.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
12 Jan. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Attributes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attributes. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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