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 On the classic flap bag, excluding minis, the screw used to attach the backplate to the hardware must be fastened with flathead screws. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 The chefs, their aprons fastened with only a single shoulder strap giving the brigade a pirate spirit, brought out each of the dishes and explained how they were prepared with charm and passion. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025 Undeterred, the Brits fuel up, fasten snow chains to their vehicle's tires, and continue forward. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025 On the classic flap bag, excluding minis, the screw used to attach the backplate to the hardware must be fastened with flathead screws. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • Oyster larvae can then attach to the shells, their preferred surface, and develop into mature oysters to help rebuild the habitat.
    Jillian Freyer, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Add a little hot glue to the comb and the flower, then attach them together.
    Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ricketts cited the priority that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has placed on helping the Asia-Pacific secure itself against China.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The last time the teams met, in Columbus in October 2024, Messi scored two goals to lead Miami to a 3-2 victory that secured the Supporters Shield.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For Catholics, the pope acts as a moral compass by speaking out on matters of faith and principles; Francis focused on social justice and reaching out to marginalized communities.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Whereas other toddlers might listen for a spell and then peel away to do something more interesting, like chase a passing dog or stare at an iPad, Julian could focus for an hour straight, totally mesmerized.
    Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The loss is still there, permanently affixed like that sticky note.
    Kristina Goetz, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The status of All-Star defenseman Miro Heiskanen remains a question on top of a concern affixed to a worry.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Begin by clamping at the root and work your way down the hair shaft in one-to-two-inch sections, holding each for just a few seconds, to achieve the look.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The speakers themselves have basic spring clip terminals that clamp onto the bare ends of the wire.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 27 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • That’s because the best days in the market are often concentrated around the worst days in the market.
    Rick Unser, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • System combinations open the door to reimagining how care is delivered at every level— from expanding primary care access in rural communities to extending the reach of specialty services typically concentrated in urban areas.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After a stunning Game 1 blowout followed by a defensive struggle out of the 1990s, the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves playoff series will relocate to the Twin Cities, tied 1-1.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In the past three league games, Miami won 1-0 against Columbus, tied Chicago 0-0 and tied Toronto 1-1.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This cowboy is getting hitched and has the hat to match in matrimony.
    Teaghan Skulszki, Outside Online, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Despite his eternal smile suggesting otherwise, this male dugong seemed visibly annoyed by the dozen remoras hitching a free ride on him.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fasten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!