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 piece is also outfitted with eye-catching seam detailing, roomy pockets, and large buttons to fasten when temperatures really drop. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 Seatbelts should remain fastened whenever possible, even in calm skies. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 Photography by Sahiba Chawdhary Under blazing skies at a tea plantation in India's northeastern state of Assam, picker Kamini Kurmi wears an umbrella fastened over her head to keep her hands free to pluck delicate leaves from the bushes. Tora Agarwala, Reuters, 29 Aug. 2025 Keeping your seat belts fastened during the flight has little to do about a potential crash. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • So, Hiro made a chamber that attached to Johnson’s eyelid.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
  • His defensiveness and insulting you and dismissing your feelings, in my opinion means he's emotionally attached to her, especially with the nickname.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The substitute ordinance is separate from the process of voting on Johnson's budget, though passage of the ordinance is key to securing the revenue the mayor seeks in his city tax and spending proposal.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • On Boxing Day in 2023, St James’ Park provided the stage for Nuno Espirito Santo to secure a landmark moment early in his tenure.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As Houston started focusing more on eliminating shots around the basket, Atlanta swung the ball around the perimeter and created easy 3-point looks that drew frustrated timeouts from Udoka on multiple occasions.
    William Guillory, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Laura Trujillo is a national columnist focusing on health and wellness.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s when the smile arrived, revealing a shiny jewel affixed to a tooth on the left side of his mouth.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Banners and signs must be hand-held and may not obstruct the view of other guests or PHX Arena advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Here, Lloyd clamps a muzzle — part fetish club, part Bane — over Lucky’s mouth while Pozzo pushes him in a wheelchair (the actor, Michael Patrick Thornton, uses a chair).
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Then the second deputy does the same before the first mounts the gator to hold it down and clamp its mouth.
    Richard Tribou, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After his extensive worldwide tour in 2024, Combs has concentrated on playing festivals this year and is the first country artist to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
    Melinda Newman, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Ferrari said concentrating tests on the track will move activity off public roads and ease local traffic problems.
    Laura Contemori, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • David Rosenberg, founder of the economic and market insights firm Rosenberg Research, similarly highlighted flaws with the gauge, including the use of GDP, which includes government sector activity that isn’t tied to corporate profits or future earnings.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Your entire life is tied to your job.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When Jean arrived with Wole, before the sun was high-hot, Kelly was already there, sitting tacky under Mickey Martinez’s arm, inside his red F-150, the boat hitched behind.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • In three weeks’ time, getting hitched in Los Angeles County will become significantly more expensive.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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