fasten

verb

ˈfa-sᵊn How to pronounce fasten (audio)
Definition of fastennext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 Like Magnetic Me, a line of clothing for babies and kids that fasten with magnets instead of snaps or zippers, founded by mom-of-three Lauren Levy. — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025 Severe turbulence is getting more frequent and severe as a result of climate change, and experts say the best way to stay safe while flying is to keep your seatbelt fastened, even when the seatbelt sign is off. — Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 Now sit back, fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy the 97th Academy Awards this Sunday. — Marc Berman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 While the queen consort and King Charles were touring Scotland in July 2023, Queen Camilla fastened the shimmering brooch to her pale blue skirt suit attire. — Julia Teti, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fasten
  1. attach
  2. secure
  3. focus
  4. affix
  5. clamp
  6. concentrate
  7. tie
  8. hitch
Verb
  • This shows the level of risk attached to these productions and this is magnified when there is a blockbuster budget on the line.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • This collapsible bowl can be attached to your hiking pack or belt and is easy to clean in between hikes.
    — Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of attach
Verb
  • For three of its championship years, Red Bull built the fastest car in F1, and Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez scored race wins and plenty of points to help the team secure the constructors championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Mar. 2025
  • SeatGeek provides a series of tips for fans to practice in hopes to secure cheap tickets.
    — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of secure
Verb
  • Some people plan just a few months ahead, focusing on immediate expenses, while others think decades into the future, prioritizing long-term investments, retirement planning, and strategic capital investing.
    — Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • In 1972, McKay was focused on finite groups—groups that have a finite number of elements.
    — Leila Sloman, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of focus
Verb
  • Not some simple planks and nails contraption affixed to a low branch, mind you.
    — Marco della Cava, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The bed comprises an aluminum-and-plywood frame cushioned with closed-cell foam and finished in interweave fabric, while the mounting consists of aluminum rails affixed to the structural foundation for quick install and removal of the bed panels.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of affix
Verb
  • The other mode relies on heated plates, not airflow, to decrease frizz and add bounce to your ends — think of this setting like a straightener that combs through your hair rather than clamping it.
    — Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Paris Fashion Week occurred around Donald J. Trump’s inauguration, and while political upheavals made for front row chatter, most designers clamped up when pressed about any issues beyond their hemlines.
    — Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Definition of clamp
Verb
  • Edward Lucas, the British writer who concentrates on security issues, thought this was a good idea.
    — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Stream Dance Spa - Santa Fe, New Mexico Stream Dance Spa at Bishop's Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a serene retreat that concentrates on spiritual well-being for travelers seeking tranquility, self-realization and connection.
    — Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of concentrate
Verb
  • On a team in need of offense, Grimes answered the bell as a top scorer in the month of March, tying Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards for 11th in scoring at 26.6 points per game.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Then, a quick flurry from the other team, and the game was tied.
    — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of tie
Verb
  • The pair got hitched in July 2022 in a romantic ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, after five years together, per Vogue.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Nevertheless, Joe Wright’s lush adaptation of Jane Austen’s second novel hitched Knightley’s star ever higher, establishing her as perhaps the premier period-drama heroine of our time—while also helping to launch people like Carey Mulligan and Rosamund Pike into the stratosphere.
    — Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of hitch

Browse Nearby Words

fasted
fasten
fastened
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Cite this Entry

“Fasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fasten. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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