1
as in to ascribe
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of
a psychotherapist who's a little too quick to attribute every emotional problem or character defect to an unhappy childhood
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
list the attributes of a mammal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 attribute
W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
Despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites, the Northern Irishman performed poorly in the event, which many attribute to his need to play with a different driver than usual.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
The 22-year-old striker is experiencing a difficult second season at the club, yet has the raw attributes to be a good No 9.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Verb
Trump’s political recovery cannot be entirely attributed to Republican-leaning pollsters.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
Despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites, the Northern Irishman performed poorly in the event, which many attribute to his need to play with a different driver than usual.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Noun
Acosta believes former athletes have attributes that should be appealing to potential employers.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
The 22-year-old striker is experiencing a difficult second season at the club, yet has the raw attributes to be a good No 9.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
-
Such takes ascribe an idiot savant quality to his governance style, furthered by what appears to be the presence of the Dunning-Kruger effect, in which confidence is conflated with competence.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Many persons believed the shock was due to an explosion, but investigation developed that no explosion had occurred and the tremors were finally ascribed to an earthquake.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
But in the late 19th century, Finkelstein explained, women who'd worked as nurses during the Civil War, even though not part of the Union or Confederate armies, lobbied for and won the right to be buried at Arlington.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
-
Emma explains that the moment is extra special for her as an adult.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.—
Mike Nolan,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2025
-
From engaging with the rich tradition of equestrian fashion to exploring the nuanced world of Kentucky bourbon and even discovering the unique characteristics of Icelandic horses, Shelby County offers visitors an enriching few days in the Blue Grass State.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Marshall credits The Village Collection with tackling security.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2025
-
The broadcaster has been airing high school sports championships for more than 20 years, and other state directors credit Overgaard as their inspiration for adding sports content.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
This tactic is sometimes used to justify letting an employee go under the guise of poor performance.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
-
By confusing the idea that the people’s will must prevail with what the law actually says, these leaders justify intimidating judges and their sound legal rulings, a move that ultimately undermines democracy.—
Michael Gregory,
The Conversation,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Mark Monroe directs the feature which will premiere at the Tribeca Festival on June 6 before streaming on Netflix June 11.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
22 May 2025
-
Pinho was previously in Cannes with debut feature film The Nothing Factory, which premiered in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight in 2017, receiving the Fipresci Prize.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
Schenn, however, is an assertive physical presence and a top notch leader in the locker room, traits that the Canucks might understandably prioritize after what happened last season.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
The Role of Mindset and Goals Underlying all development and measurement activity is the growth mindset for communication, which is the belief that communication ability is not a trait but one that can be learned and strengthened.—
Su Bridgman,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
As part of Operation Endgame, BKA’s Stern attribution inherently comes in the context of a multinational law enforcement collaboration.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 May 2025
-
People are noticing temperatures are getting hotter but don’t always know it is being driven by climate change, said Roop Singh, head of urban and attribution at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, in a World Weather Attribution statement.—
Isabella O'Malley,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share