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 Travelers are expected to remain seated, leave seatbelts fastened and not retrieve luggage from overhead bins while the plane is still taxiing to the gate. Angel Saunders, People.com, 4 June 2025 The town sits at about 2,100 feet (640 meters) above sea level, includes some 2,500 residents and is known for an annual carnival on January 17th, when men dress in dark masks and elaborate black sheepskin coats fastened to dozens of clanking cowbells (intended to ward off evil). Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for fasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
Verb
  • This test uses fluorescent dyes that only attach to certain parts of a chromosome.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 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
  • Crowley and his administration pushed for the housing development, racing against the clock to secure time-sensitive federal funding and tax credits.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Nancy couldn’t secure a badge inside this year but finds plenty of activations outside the convention to enjoy.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • In the past six months, the department focused on incorporating the community's feedback from October while staying within the budget.
    Pili Saravia, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • The new roadmap focuses on deregulation and industry growth to better compete against China.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Clutching a weapon with a human head affixed to the end, and adorned with condor wings and deer antlers from his dismembered victims, the mythical creature conveys strength and transformation.
    Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 July 2025
  • It’s fitted with a number of handy pockets for your electronics, extra clothes, toiletries, and more, plus it’s affixed with four smooth spinner wheels for easy transit through the airport.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Plan to leave the cabinet door sitting clamped for a week or more, depending on the severity of the issue.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Merchant banking-style funds concentrate their efforts on fewer companies with deeper operational involvement.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Holt pulled up the last two innings of the game, concentrating on the radar readings on the screen.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • This small, daily action, tied to a routine cue, builds consistency, reduces reliance on motivation and strengthens willpower over time.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The White Lotus was also not the program with the most noms this year, matching The Studio and coming in tied for third after The Penguin (24 nominations) and Severance (27).
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The episode then ends with a surprise twist after Issa backs out and Paul Baker ends up getting hitched to Anton, with the two sharing a loving kiss after growing closer to each other all season.
    Stacy Lambe, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • Sure, folks are talking about Jeff Bezos finally getting hitched to Lauren Sanchez, reportedly in Venice, Italy.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 29 Jul. 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!