Definition of fastennext

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 The trooper had removed the ladder, went back into his cruiser, and fastened his seatbelt when he was struck. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026 Chevy was not fastened properly, affecting both the cooling and the air flow. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 Palmer and Jones died at the scene with their seatbelts still fastened. Nolan Clay, Oklahoman, 12 Feb. 2026 Curtains have the most visual weight in a window treatment, but the best curtain rods are the finishing touch that not only elevate your drapes but keep them quite literally aloft, securely fastened into the wall. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • Although Macfarlane voices Stan and is the biggest name attached to the show, for most of its existence, the series was handled by the other co-creators Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman; Weitzman is still co-showrunner of the series along with Brian Boyle.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2026
  • We are emotionally attached to our data.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Nick Suzuki answered moments later, securing the fifth consecutive 20-goal season for Montreal’s captain.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The lobbyist helped secure Downtown Plaza as the site for the new Kings arena, putting together a deal with real estate developers to purchase the site and later sell it for a significant profit.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Before long, smitten cast members, including Sarah Sherman and a cameraman wearing an I (Heart) Harry shirt who kept focusing on Styles, proved too much for Gosling, who called off a big song and dance number featuring most of the cast in silver space attire.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Building an ultrathin nickelate with atomic precision The team focused on a compound called La₃Ni₂O₇, a nickelate made of nickel and oxygen atoms arranged in layered structures.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • August Grove Rotella Metal Planter Planters add instant curb appeal, and this one that affixes to a railing is durable, easy to mount, and looks great on a variety of home styles.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • According to wildlife officials, the couple may have laid an egg in early February, based on their activity tracked by GPS devices affixed to them.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The maximum clamping force reaches 21 kg (46 lb), which is quite a bit for a tool of this size.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Pressure-free battery operation Operating without high stack pressure removes the need for complex fixtures and heavy clamping systems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Russell let the rest of Taylor-Joy's long hair fall in loose, barely there waves, with most of the curl concentrated just at the ends for movement and swish factor.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The geyser has an acidic chemistry, but the acid is not concentrated, according to the USGS, which compared its water to having a similar acidity to orange juice or vinegar.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • João Klauss scored for the fourth time in his first three matches with the Galaxy to tie it 1-1 in the 56th minute.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The family also claims the university had prior knowledge of safety concerns tied to large events but failed to address them.
    Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Gulf today is packed with tankers and other ships unable to get out, including Salgado’s, which is anchored off the coast of Iraq.
    Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Sri Lanka said another Iranian warship was anchored near its coast on Thursday and that more than 200 sailors were being escorted to a naval base on the outskirts of the capital, Colombo.
    Jon Gambrell, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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