swing 1 of 2

1
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction thinking that we were being followed, we abruptly swung to the left at the next intersection swing right at James St.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something) at the sound of gunfire, the cavalry officer swung his horse around and galloped rapidly back to the fort

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis he swung the bat as hard as he could but he missed the ball don't let the wind swing that gate shut

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5
as in to hang
to place on an elevated point without support from below beach towels swung up to dry on the lifeguard's high chair

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

swing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swing are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When might fluctuate be a better fit than swing?

Although the words fluctuate and swing have much in common, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use oscillate instead of swing?

The words oscillate and swing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When could sway be used to replace swing?

While in some cases nearly identical to swing, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can undulate be used instead of swing?

In some situations, the words undulate and swing are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Where would vibrate be a reasonable alternative to swing?

The meanings of vibrate and swing largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

In what contexts can waver take the place of swing?

While the synonyms waver and swing are close in meaning, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

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 swing
Verb
Add some consistency to his swing and his phone might ring. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 File photo: a grandfather pushes his granddaughter on a swing. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Noun
The narrower body of the Lite means Tune has to swing the bed around 90 degrees into a longitudinal 72 x 60-in (183 x 152-cm) double. New Atlas, 28 June 2025 The proverbial pendulum has swung from good to bad and back again at an alarmingly frequent pace. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for swing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing
Verb
  • The fatal flight’s initial trajectory in the air is also somewhat typical and does not deviate significantly from the previous seven Air India Flight 171 departures from Ahmedabad, according to historical flight data.
    Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The image had shown a dessert dramatically deviating from the typical McDonald's serving, yet presented without explanation—leaving much to speculation.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • With an additional retrofit kit, the Allegro 2 can be converted into a tower, turning it into a double duty piece of equipment.
    Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The legislation was driven by concerns that the Chinese government could manipulate content and access sensitive data from American users.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • Fox agreed two years ago to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million to drop a lawsuit related to the network’s false claims that voting machines were manipulated to help President Biden win the 2020 election.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Label and rotate: Mark containers with dates to keep track of leftovers.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
  • Anjin will serve a small, rotating menu with some cocktails and plenty of sake.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The allegations, made by a Department of Justice whistleblower in a report obtained by USA TODAY, are now hanging over Bove's nomination by President Donald Trump to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which hears appeals from Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • The question, hanging like a curve ball, is whether whoever ultimately buys Ungashick’s house will choose to keep and maintain a mini-ballpark that has served neighborhood kids, adults and nonprofits alike.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Borrowing from the belting prowess a career in Broadway afforded her, Rapp leans into a more angsty singer-songwriter sound on her solo ventures.
    Amani Bayo, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • The rear deck affords gob-smacking vistas out over the infinity pool and spa, while the scenic covered terrace features an alfresco lounge and dining area.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Her off-ball movement, pace and clinical finishing are sure to strike fear into any and all opponents.
    Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The ensuing Stonewall protests are considered the birth of the modern gay rights movement.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The colors of the sculpture shift and glow as the sun filters through the glass ceiling of the arcade.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • If someone who used to be active now avoids optional discussions or stops exploring new tools, the system can surface that shift.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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