sling 1 of 2

Definition of slingnext

sling

2 of 2

verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sling distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sling are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, throw, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When is cast a more appropriate choice than sling?

The synonyms cast and sling are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When might fling be a better fit than sling?

While in some cases nearly identical to sling, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When would hurl be a good substitute for sling?

Although the words hurl and sling have much in common, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

Where would pitch be a reasonable alternative to sling?

While the synonyms pitch and sling are close in meaning, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can throw be used instead of sling?

The words throw and sling are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm.

can throw a fastball and a curve

When could toss be used to replace sling?

The meanings of toss and sling largely overlap; however, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sling
Verb
Bette Midler and Patti Smith sang; Lily Gladstone gave a heartfelt speech about Native American resistance; Ayo Edebiri made a surprise appearance to encourage people to vote in the midterms; and De Niro slung some other curse words at the administration while yearning for a different America. Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 Style it with comfy walking sneakers and a sweater slung over your shoulders for afternoon sightseeing, then dress it up with heeled sandals and some jewelry for dinner with friends. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026 From twisting a bright pink kerchief into a one-shoulder top to slinging another across her hips to create a slit up-to-there skirt, Li found pleasure in the trial-and-error process. Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 Our friends at DawgNation recently pulled the stats on Sanford Stadium alcohol sales in 2025, the school’s second season of slinging suds and hard seltzer. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • This doesn't see three Li-ion battery packs all connected at once for long-range riding, but rather provides a downtube pack plus two spares in a cage hanging from the rear rack.
    Paul Ridden June 23, New Atlas, 23 June 2026
  • For care, the brand recommends washing the set on a gentle cycle with cold water, then hanging it or laying it flat to air-dry.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Nicole Kidman and Martha Stewart reminded us that a classic button-down shirt can do wonders as a workwear staple or throw-on-and-go option during the warmer months.
    Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
  • The bear was completely oblivious to this crowd of people screaming and throwing things at it.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • The pendulum never really swung away from maximizing shareholder value.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The turnover swung the momentum in Minnesota’s favor.
    Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • In both cases, tornadoes about 200 yards wide traveled roughly 2 miles, toppling trees, tossing lawn furniture and knocking down power lines.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • Martín Pérez was on the mound for the home team, a soft-tossing veteran lefty who was pumping in 89-mph sinkers.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • That slot could be used to bring in someone like Jaylen Brown, who was dangled in trade talks with Milwaukee before the Bucks sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026
  • The silk celestial gown was adorned with jewelry in the front too, with charms dangling across the bodice.
    Marissa G. Muller, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Or other words that have been hurled at him.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
  • Jets and winds from black holes are textbook physics, and scientists have observed many supermassive black holes hurling them into space.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Altuve flung his bat and began a slow trudge toward second base.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 20 June 2026
  • Others got flung toward the accreting planet by collisions or close encounters with other objects, and Jupiter played a key role in that process.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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