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

Clasping my head is a swimmer’s cap of electrodes fastened under my chin. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

The map shows other towers close by, each radiating a string that is fastened to the map when other towers radio in readings. — Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Unique to the mid-top is a metal hook that fastens its collar strap, replacing the plastic hook traditionally seen on the Air Force 1 Mid. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Aug. 2026

These mini bottles can fasten right onto the top of your favorite perfume nozzles for easy filling—they’re ready for travel in a few short pumps! — Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026