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
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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
Calmatters, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
The mood around EVs can be attributed to many factors, such as the loss of federal tax credits in 2025; the end of emissions waivers and revenues from carbon credits; and diminished aftermarket values as consumers fear battery degradation and anticipate quickly evolving technologies.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Emily Messina, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2026
According to Gorman and Disney’s 2026 proxy filing, the Disney board began by figuring out what the key attributes should be in Disney’s next CEO, and talking to internal candidates and external candidates about what their vision for the company is.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Verb
Many residents also still attribute the city’s biggest issues such as homelessness to Blakespear’s tenure as mayor more than four years ago.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
The mood around EVs can be attributed to many factors, such as the loss of federal tax credits in 2025; the end of emissions waivers and revenues from carbon credits; and diminished aftermarket values as consumers fear battery degradation and anticipate quickly evolving technologies.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
All of these practices are attributes of a uniquely D&D subculture.
—Emily Messina, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2026
According to Gorman and Disney’s 2026 proxy filing, the Disney board began by figuring out what the key attributes should be in Disney’s next CEO, and talking to internal candidates and external candidates about what their vision for the company is.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attribute
Verb
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Users typically ascribe simple personality traits to the agents for more distinct communication.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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The executive was quick to ascribe their final trade returns as a reflection of the market.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
6 Feb. 2026
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Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In vacating the life prison term in 2024, Cook County Judge Marc Martin found in part that Modrowski had been unfairly portrayed as emotionless and cold during his 1995 trial and sentencing proceedings when the characteristics were likely due to his autism.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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And what physical characteristics is law enforcement focusing on that might help people locate them?—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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He was touched by Steelers defensive end Dwight White, who was credited with the sack.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Dostál credits a goalie coach by the name of Radek Toth, who led an effort to unify the development philosophy for youth goalies in Czechia.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Tesla has worked to secure millions in state and local funding for its Semi, while many in the trucking industry question whether the vehicle’s uneven development timeline justifies such heavy public investment.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Those documents will reveal the grounds the federal government used to justify the FBI’s seizure of 2020 election records last month.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Google, in particular, has some unique features working in its favor, Sosnick added.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Wright, who formerly worked as a detective, said the video contains apparent facial features such as a mustache and that investigators should be able to calculate height, shoe size and brands of clothing.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Chemistry, timing, shared experiences, and the slow work of falling in love with someone tend to matter far more than the traits that some people screen for on a dating-app profile.—
Rafaela Jinich,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The two traits that will serve Riojas well are accountability and resilience.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Founded in 1936, the DGA emerged from concerns over creative control and credit attribution amid the growing power of producers.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
5 Feb. 2026
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Through the partnership, the HBCU’s basketball team is also developing a new content series for brand partners and using accurate ROI attribution to expand commercial conversations.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attribute. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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