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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of attribute
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 July 2025
The steep drop is attributed to the departure of Canadian snowbirds, the retirees who leave the Coachella Valley at the end of winter.
—Pat Maio, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
The list of spirits is long, each with their own physical attributes, epic folklore and methods of appeasement.
—Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Verb
Analysts attribute Tesla’s decline partly to competition, particularly from China, and partly backlash toward Musk’s political activities.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 July 2025
The steep drop is attributed to the departure of Canadian snowbirds, the retirees who leave the Coachella Valley at the end of winter.
—Pat Maio, Oc Register, 3 July 2025
Noun
The Valdivia figurines, created in coastal Ecuador between about 4000 and 3500 B.C.E., tend to possess both male and female attributes.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
The list of spirits is long, each with their own physical attributes, epic folklore and methods of appeasement.
—Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
-
Based on those intense interactions, the temptation to ascribe God-like powers to the AI is going to be huge.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Another trait often ascribed to footballers is courage — the kind that enables them to put their head into a frenzy of flying boots, or take a decisive penalty when thousands are willing them to fail.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
13 July 2025
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Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
13 July 2025
Noun
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There are nearly 50 species of pine trees native to North America with diverse characteristics and growing preferences.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 July 2025
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That’s why researchers have spent decades trying to use genetics and behavioral characteristics to divide the spectrum into meaningful subtypes.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Cavafy, who grew up in Alexandria, would come to be credited as the father of modern Greek poetry and, in translation, as a vital and important modernist poet.—
Literary Hub
July 1,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
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Fellow Republican Bush also appeared in the recorded message with a rebuke of Trump’s efforts, noting that the cuts will drastically impact the landmark AIDS/HIV program started in his administration that is credited with saving tens of millions of lives globally.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
1 July 2025
Verb
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If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
-
What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Other notable features include an adjustable strap with a flat buckle and supersoft fabric.—
Anne Taylor,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
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At 44-feet long, the town's new ladder truck has a compact wheelbase for improved maneuverability— an essential feature for navigating the town’s narrower roads and residential areas, Interim Fire Chief Matthew Lupo explained.—
Gabrielle Chenault,
The Tennessean,
9 July 2025
Noun
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What wasn’t reported was Rivera’s aversion to pitches coming near him, a trait that’s fatal to long-term hitting success.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2025
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This method allowed scientists to precisely manipulate traits like shape, color, and pattern — something impossible to do with living specimens.—
Stephanie Edwards,
Discover Magazine,
3 July 2025
Noun
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Unlike high-profile hacks with clear attribution and corporate response, this breach is fragmented.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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So the attribution of anthropogenic climate change was proven beyond reasonable doubt, with 97% acceptance among scientists.—
Oliver Swainston,
Space.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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