Synonyms for

Staple

Verb / ˈsteɪpʌl / Another word for staple — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a small, thin piece of metal or wire with two pointed ends used to fasten papers together

Synonyms & similar words

staplefibre basic unstaple staplefiber rawmaterial clip fastener pin paperclip clamp peg brad rivet tack snap grommet eyelet hasp hinge latch lock buckle

Synonyms by register

Formal

principal chief primary essential fundamental

Informal

main basic regular everyday common

Literary

cornerstone linchpin keystone

Antonyms

optional secondary ancillary minor unimportant peripheral

Common collocations

  • staple food
  • staple diet
  • staple goods
  • staple crop
  • staple fiber
  • staple income
  • staple industry

Word family

noun staple
verb staple
adjective staple

Usage note

As a noun, 'staple' refers to something essential or widely used. As a verb, it means to fasten with staples. Be mindful of the context to distinguish between these meanings.

Example sentences

  1. Can you grab me a staple to hold these papers together?
  2. I forgot to buy staples for my stapler.
  3. I accidentally stapled my finger!
  4. I like to use a staple remover to take out staples.
  5. The teacher used a staple to hang up a poster.

Quotes

  • The staple of one man is degrading to another. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • The staple of conversation is the code. - A. R. Ammons
  • Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place. - Mark Twain

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