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fling

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fling distinct from other similar verbs?

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

flung the ring back in his face

When would cast be a good substitute for fling?

The words cast and fling can be used in similar contexts, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When can hurl be used instead of fling?

Although the words hurl and fling 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 fling?

The meanings of pitch and fling largely overlap; however, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When is sling a more appropriate choice than fling?

While in some cases nearly identical to fling, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

In what contexts can throw take the place of fling?

The synonyms throw and fling are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might toss be a better fit than fling?

While the synonyms toss and fling are close in meaning, 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 fling
Noun
What begins as a secret fling between two confused teenagers at 17 evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self- discovery. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025 Though sporadic dating and meaningless flings are common, many high-profile individuals lead a life defined by loneliness, struggling to find a connection with purpose and intention. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Verb
As planets jostle for space, the chaos can cause some to be flung into much wider orbits. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Jenna Bush Hager immediately flung her arms out toward the actress, while cohost Leslie Bibb burst into laughter. Emlyn Travis Updated, EW.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
Noun
  • Zuckerberg’s poaching spree is just the high-stakes version of a much older human truth: transformation is easier to imagine when someone close has already blazed the trail.
    Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The film sees Steamboat Willie’s first mate, Minnie, go on a killing spree when seeking revenge against the childhood bullies who tortured her as a teenager.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • James buried his first attempt over Flagg, and then hit a 3-pointer after the 6-foot-8 Flagg missed his second attempt to give the Lakers a 5-0 lead.
    Staff, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
  • Dozens of the email messages also allegedly reveal attempts by Trump administration officials to label Abrego Garcia a leader of the gang MS-13 — which Abrego Garcia's lawyers have strongly denied — and downplay the agency's mistake in removing him to El Salvador.
    July 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • However, if Lillard is planning to sign with a team this year and wants to land more than the minimum, that throws a wrench into the larger free-agent landscape.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Unlike other characters that need to jump on enemies to defeat them, DK can throw an endless stream of haymaker punches in all directions and can even rip chunks of rock and the ground itself out to throw with precision.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The smattering of comparisons she’s been drawing to Leonard Cohen are apt for (and assuredly cherished by) the Vermont singer on her third album — the luminant vessel of a swarm of kinetic lyrical energy log jammed at the front gates of her mind, yearning for the page and demanding a romp.
    Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
  • The Florida Panthers netted their second straight Stanley Cup − and denied the Edmonton Oilers a second straight time − with a 5-1 romp in front of the home crowd in Game 6 behind a record-tying four goals from winger Sam Reinhart.
    Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • As a powerful 6-foot-10, 265-pound big man, former Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball player David McCormack hit just one 3-point shot in five tries during his four-year college career.
    Gary Bedore July 10, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • On Wednesday, the Sox completed the three-game sweep of baseball’s worst team, the Colorado Rockies, who have won just 21 times in 93 tries, with a 10-2 victory at Fenway Park, getting pitching, hitting (15 knocks) and defense in the process.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Left to right, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indian minister of external affairs, and Dev Pragad, Newsweek CEO, speak onstage during a Newsweek Exclusive Fireside Chat With Indian Minister Of External Affairs, at 1 World Trade Center on June 30 in New York City.
    Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Turner spent a decade in Indiana, but the NBA's two-time blocks leader seemed to be at an impasse with his state of affairs in Indianapolis.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • President Trump had mostly resisted from hurling direct insults against Fed Chair Powell in his second term.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Trump has repeatedly hurled names and insults onto the political stage, casting rivals as enemies and taking heat for dehumanizing language against immigrants.
    Julia Mueller, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • That colossal production, which involved the construction of villages in which to film and the onscreen involvement of the host country’s armed forces, began as a lark and turned into an albatross.
    Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 27 June 2025
  • The trip is presented almost as a lark, something to break up the sisters’ otherwise not-that-exciting lives.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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