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
• divide
• sever
• 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
• hitch
• anchor
• catch
• fix
• moor
• set
• imbed
• intrench
• embed
• entrench
• wedge
• stuff
• implant
• lodge
• engrain
• 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

But as the chase goes on, Mari takes off many of her layers, including her footwear; she’s left in just the nightie and Jackie’s necklace, which Shauna had fastened around her neck moments before. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025

This dog carrier can fasten to the front of your bike quickly and easily with its buckle design. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

How to fix cable connection issues Check all cables and cords to make sure they are fastened properly. —Kara McGinley, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025

Ramps, sometimes called wild garlic or spring onions, have two, flat, broad green leaves about 10 inches tall, beneath which are white stalks fastened to small light-colored bulbs under the soil. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025