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
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 Instead, Wolff, now 43, attributes her mindset to a competitive spirit and egalitarian upbringing, one in which both of her parents had their own businesses and she and her brother were never treated differently because of their genders. Danielle McNally, InStyle, 28 May 2026 At public appearances, Trump is often seen wearing makeup to conceal bruising on his hands, which the White House attributes to handshaking and regular aspirin use. ABC News, 26 May 2026 At public appearances, Trump often is seen wearing makeup to conceal bruising on his hands, which the White House attributes to handshaking and regular aspirin use. Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 The Gallup poll primarily attributes the harmful effects of declining community to a widespread loss of personal agency. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 May 2026 Interest is higher in European countries, which Drury attributes to higher gas prices there and a broader selection of affordable EVs, many of which are Chinese. Robert Ferris, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Noun
The cryptographic method, the affected data, the regulatory scope, the time horizon and the financial consequence are recorded as attributes beneath the primary event, not as competing parallel risks. Maman Ibrahim, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 If those two attributes come attached to a 6-foot-6 frame, even better. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 9 June 2026 Liverpool’s wingers struggled to provide those attributes last season. James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 June 2026 These attributes have come together to shape a personal injury lawyer who is deeply connected to and invested in his clients and their families. K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 8 June 2026 Further research is required before the material can be extensively incorporated into building construction, since crucial attributes such as strength, fire safety and moisture tolerance need to be studied. Shirl Leigh june 08, New Atlas, 8 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 He is being schooled by faithful Duncan aka Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba) in all the proper swordplay and other attributes to be a warrior for the Castle Grayskull presided over by his father, King Randor (James Purefoy), and mother (who actually grew up on Earth), Queen Marlena (Charlotte Riley). Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 June 2026 The two led a restoration process that kept all of the home’s quirky attributes intact, while turning it into a comfortable residence fit for modern homeowners. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 June 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
  • These soils lie beyond a depth of three meters, or about 10 feet, explains Yi Xi, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory for Climate and Environmental Sciences in France.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 June 2026
  • Brandon Nimmo and Lugo were teammates with the Mets for years, by the way, which explains the immediate concern.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Laboratory evaluations indicate specific performance characteristics under varied operational environments.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
  • Louise Cottar believes this cultural connection is one of the defining characteristics of the camp.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Maltin credits Shalit for launching his own career.
    Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • With the latest Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch currently airing, Sheridan credits his continued success to Nicole.
    Kaitlin Stevens, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Passion and commitment are important leadership qualities.
    Kendra MacDonald, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • But what if people have qualities both unmistakably human and essential to career success that AI could not easily replace them?
    Cathy Bussewitz, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Humanoid robots such as Pepper are designed to look and behave in ways that resemble humans, featuring recognizable traits such as heads, eyes, hands, facial expressions, and conversational abilities.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
  • Both humility and learning are powerful leadership traits.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Yosemite National Park was designated by Congress to highlight the beautiful natural and cultural features of the area.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
  • Some cottages have additional features like larger backyards, connecting backyards, outdoor showers, soaking tubs, and fire pits.
    Christine Sarkis, USA Today, 13 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 14 Jun. 2026.

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