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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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
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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
Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
The automaker has seen its value collapse recently, partly attributed to Musk’s close ties to President Donald Trump and Musk’s role as the head of the cost-and-job-cutting Department of Government Efficiency.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2025
David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Ryan said one of Pyke’s best attributes is her ability to not get overwhelmed by the moment.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Verb
Some public health departments in the Golden State attribute declining vaccination rates to such programs, which can enroll hundreds or even thousands of children.
—Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
The automaker has seen its value collapse recently, partly attributed to Musk’s close ties to President Donald Trump and Musk’s role as the head of the cost-and-job-cutting Department of Government Efficiency.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
Casas, whose primary attribute is his power, has managed only one homer so far.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Ryan said one of Pyke’s best attributes is her ability to not get overwhelmed by the moment.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
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Carlos Santana likes to ascribe metaphors to his music.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2025
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Lu ascribes the game’s longevity to none other than community.—
Julius Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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If yes, please explain: Only at the misdemeanor level.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
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This is highly specific work that depends on each plantation's unique characteristics, including location, soil type, and coffee variety.—
Christopher Marquis,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As the investigation continued, more murders were credited to Heuermann.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari is credited with first discovering the corpse flower in 1878.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The myth that trans women are a danger to cis women is a grossly transphobic stereotype with almost no real-world justification, but Rowling pins most of her anti-trans arguments on it, using her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse to justify her prejudice.—
Aja Romano,
Vox,
18 Apr. 2025
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The funding freezes and cuts have been imposed before the completion of full investigations, and different legal rationales have been offered to justify them.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This is a sprawling document of balance changes, quality-of-life tweaks, and major new features.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Going for a cut that accentuates your best facial features and hair texture can be a foolproof way to walk out of the hair salon feeling happy.—
Julie Ricevuto,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While the natural traits and intellect of Gates and Allen were crucial for Microsoft’s eventual success, so too was their willingness to learn from an early failure and apply themselves in a new venture.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Bill Snellings Self-reliance is a cherished American trait, and men in particular embrace it.—
Ashley Milne-Tyte,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This article has been updated to correct the attribution for a quote.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
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Build attribution models to justify budget allocation for all marketing campaigns and activities.—
Deboshree Sarkar,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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