Synonyms of fasten

fasten

verb

ˈfa-sᵊn 

1

as in to attach

to cause (something) to hold to another

use this paper clip to fasten your picture to the application form

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attach
• affix
• tie
• glue
• connect
• strap
• clip
• bend
• adhere
• screw
• hang
• harness
• fix
• pin
• rivet
• clamp
• clasp
• stick
• latch
• clench
• cinch
• link
• tack
• clinch
• toggle
• staple
• shackle
• tackle
• yoke
• plaster
• lash
• unite
• nail
• paste
• reattach
• bolt
• refasten
• join
• button
• lace
• hasp
• coapt
• resecure
• batten
• refix
• belay
• reaffix
• do up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unfasten
• detach
• undo
• unhook
• split
• sever
• divide
• separate
• dissociate
• disconnect
• uncouple
• loosen
• part
• divorce
• break up
• disunite
• sunder
• loose
• untie
• dissever
• disjoin
• unlink
• unyoke
• disjoint
• unbind
• unfix
• unlash

2

as in to secure

to put securely in place or in a desired position

don't forget to fasten all the lines on your tent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• secure
• clamp
• anchor
• hitch
• catch
• fix
• moor
• set
• embed
• entrench
• wedge
• stuff
• lodge
• implant
• ingrain

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loosen
• unfasten
• loose
• pull
• extract
• unloose
• unloosen
• tear (out)
• pry
• unfix
• prize
• uproot
• yank
• wrest
• root (out)

3

as in to focus

to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective

if you could fasten your attention on one task for more than a minute, you just might get something done

Synonyms & Similar Words

• focus
• concentrate
• rivet
• center
• train
• home (in on)
• aim
• point
• zero (in on)
• nail
• direct
• attend
• heed
• set
• hone in (on)
• mind
• level
• fixate (on)
• obsess (over)
• refocus

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

Recent Examples of fasten

These adjustable straps keep your personal item (backpack, tote or laptop bag) securely fastened to your roller bag. —Deanna Taylor, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025

The necklace—five strands of costume pearls by Roger Scemama for Hubert de Givenchy, fastened with a crystal brooch—turned faux bijoux into cinematic iconography. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025

For Stone, the Susa sandals aligned with the breezy sophistication of her archival spring 1996 Donna Karan ensemble, which consisted of a column skirt and a collared top daintily fastened at the chest. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

In total, roughly 700 lashers responsible for securing and fastening cargo on ships walked off the job. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025