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 Wearing American flags fastened above her knees as her ensemble danced with the same flags, Beyoncé concluded on a hushed note. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025 The towering shoes, made of bright blue imitation crocodile skin and fastened with silk ribbons around the ankle, were inspired by styles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 19 June 2025 There’s a tendon there that fastens the dorsal interossei muscle to bone. Jason Anthony, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025 Mountain biking helmets like the Smith Forefront 2 ($270) cover the back of the skull and often have a visor, and sometimes even include clips to fasten eye protection or googles. Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • Detachable zones can be attached and detached at will, usually to many possible sections of the tray.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The baskets are hand-woven and have attached handles for easy carrying.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Investigators do not believe either child had been secured properly while in the vehicle, according to the warrant affidavit.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • This situation was the most beneficial for him, as there is a path to him securing a starting job again.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The program consists of two different tracks: Accel Atoms AI, which will focus specifically on AI specialists, and Accel Atoms X, for start-ups with business models built around other deeptech innovations.
    David Prosser, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • This year, they were focused on the relationship between the ancient city and Teotihuacán, located northeast of what is now Mexico City.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories (subset of larceny) – The unlawful taking of any part or accessory affixed to the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle in a manner which would make the item an attachment of the vehicle or necessary for its operation.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
  • And once Theo is affixing Lizzy’s lost bracelet to her wrist while looking at her with those eyes?
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Ryobi also makes a reliable one with a rotating head, an option to clamp in place and 40 hours of run time on one charge.
    Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • The two enclosures connect to one another with standard speaker wire and basic clamping terminals.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Lime kilns concentrated in Santa Cruz County, and another site was found in El Dorado County.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
  • As the conditioner that brought his homeland their first two Breeders’ Cup championships (2021 Filly and Mare Turf, Loves Only You 2021 Distaff Marche Lorraine), the Tokyo native will concentrate on bringing the best Forever Young to Del Mar on November 1.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Joining him was David Lipsky, who made a clutch eagle on the par-5 17th to tie Grillo and Campbell at 18-under, but a costly bogey on 18 kept him out of the playoff.
    Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • Given that the government generally does not do great things with its money, tying its spending priorities to debt service is probably a positive.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 July 2025
  • The invasive fire ants first hitched a boat ride to Alabama in 1918.
    Gareth McGrath, USA Today, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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