fix
19 synonyms and 2 antonyms for fix, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To repair something that is broken or not working properly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use fix
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin fixus, "fastened, immovable," the past participle of figere, "to fasten or drive in" — the same root gives us "fixture."
Full origin of fix →Frequently asked questions
What does “fix” mean?
The word “fix” means to repair something that is broken or not working properly. In plain terms, to repair, attach firmly, arrange, or (as a noun) a solution or a tricky situation.
How do you pronounce “fix”?
“Fix” is pronounced FIHKS (/ˈfɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “fix” in a sentence?
Here is “fix” used in a sentence: “Can you fix the leaking tap?”
What is another word for “fix”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fix” include impale, run through, stick, join, put together and unite.
What is the opposite of “fix”?
The opposite of “fix” — its antonyms — are move and change.
What part of speech is “fix”?
Depending on how it is used, “fix” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “fix” come from?
The word “fix” comes from Latin. From Latin fixus, "fastened, immovable," the past participle of figere, "to fasten or drive in" — the same root gives us "fixture.".
Is “fix” a common word?
“Fix” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between fix and repair?
Fix and repair both mean to make something broken work again, and they are often interchangeable. Repair is slightly more formal and usually applies to physical objects or structures. Fix is more casual and flexible, so you can fix a car, fix a problem, or fix a mistake, covering a far wider range of situations.
What are the other meanings of fix?
Fix has several senses beyond repairing. It can mean to fasten something in place ('fix a shelf to the wall'), to arrange or decide ('fix a date'), to prepare ('fix a meal'), or to correct ('fix an error'). Informally, fix can also mean to rig a result unfairly, as in a fixed match.
What is the difference between fix and mend?
Both mean to repair, but mend is usually reserved for softer or smaller items, especially fabric, clothing, or something torn: you mend a sock or a fence. Fix is broader and applies to machines, gadgets, and abstract problems alike. Mend also carries a gentle sense of healing, as in 'mend a friendship'.
What is the opposite of fix?
The opposite of fix, in the sense of repairing, is to break, damage, or ruin. If fixing makes something work again, breaking stops it working. When fix means to fasten in place, the opposite is to loosen or detach. As always, the antonym depends on which meaning of fix you intend.