Synonym Chooser

How is the word fasten distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fasten are affix, attach, and fix. While all these words mean "to make something stay firmly in place," fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing.

fasten the reins to a post

When is it sensible to use affix instead of fasten?

In some situations, the words affix and fasten are roughly equivalent. However, affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.

affix your address label here

When could attach be used to replace fasten?

Although the words attach and fasten have much in common, attach suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together.

attach the W-2 form here

When can fix be used instead of fasten?

While the synonyms fix and fasten are close in meaning, fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding.

fixed the stake in the ground

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 fasten The gold leather straps traced a clean line across the toes and midfoot, each one fastened with a small, angular buckle. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2025 Staplers are a basic office tool that many professionals use to fasten multiple pieces of paper or other thin materials together. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 Horton and an assistant fasten a saddle and harness ropes across the bull’s broad belly. Jon-Michael Banks, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2025 Archaeologists also uncovered pieces of clothing in the graves with amber and glass beads and iron fibulae used to fasten garments. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • That accusation was included as a footnote attached to documents the government filed in immigration court.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The area was hit heavily by flooding and widespread destruction because the Mississippi River attaches at the mouth of the ward.
    Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Spanberger has raised more than $27 million and secured the endorsement of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association.
    Grace Sandman, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Both have won the statue three times since its introduction in 2019, with Stray Kids securing a win in 2023.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For executives focused on measurable returns and competitive positioning, prosocial AI transcends ethical considerations to become a business imperative.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Aura’s platform tracks behavioral patterns such as sleep and focus, flags mental health risks including self-harm or suicidal ideation, and gives parents visibility into kids’ social media, gaming, and AI chat activity.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In Wisconsin, the secretary of state is responsible for recording acts of the governor, affixing the great seal, keeping custody of state records, laws, books and more.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • During Christmas one year, when there was no money for a tree or decorations, mother and daughters taped leaves and pine cones to a paper cutout of a tree affixed to the living-room wall.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One of the two animals ended up with part of Hohl's head inside its mouth, with its jaws clamped around his cheek and skull, while the other clamped onto his left ankle.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But that brief period of openness and luxury ended quickly, with international sanctions clamping back down in 2003.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On taking the job last year, Enzo Maresca knew that his say in transfers at Stamford Bridge would be limited and that his main task was to concentrate on coaching the team.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Although many began paying, a substantial portion did not, with 25% of student loan holders and over 50% of the total student loan debt concentrated within the 24-38 age group.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Through two games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have held opponents to an average of 12 points per game — a mark that’s tied for the best in the Sun Belt.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The other way to address Africa’s borrowing challenges, Loyiso Tyabashe, chief executive of the South Africa Nuclear Energy Corporation, told Semafor, is tied to execution.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her son, maybe six or seven years old, could effortlessly hitch himself up to the top of the park’s lampposts.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The wagon, which was hitched to two horses, left the road and all eight passengers on board were ejected, authorities said.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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