sling 1 of 2

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

Examples of sling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The famously feisty and extremely profitable writer-director has responded to accusations slung at him by Independence Day writer-director Roland Emmerich, with whom Cameron briefly worked on mounting a long-gestating remake of the 1966 adventure film Fantastic Voyage. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Aug. 2024 Little Kilton’s residents are determined to move past the horrific crime (while slinging racist insults at the Singh family), but the case has always nagged at Pip, who doggedly digs up the past. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 1 Aug. 2024 Pizza Baby West, the location nominated, is a more Americana-style pizza restaurant, with music humming, TVs up and 18-inch rounds being slung in the kitchen and devoured at tables. Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2024 Holmes has been slinging her dad caps, APC jumpers, and Vibi Venezia ballet flats in her beloved butter-soft tote since 2020—the year after that traffic-stopping oatmeal cashmere moment catapulted Catherine Holstein’s brand into the big leagues. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near sling

Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

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