Thesaurus results for FLING

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of fling

as in spree

a time or instance of carefree fun most families spend Labor Day weekend having one last summer fling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in attempt

an effort to do or accomplish something take a fling at waterskiing and see how it goes

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in affair

a brief romantic relationship an ill-advised fling with a coworker

Synonyms & Similar Words

fling

2 of 2

verb

ˈfliŋ

as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm flinging rocks into the pond just for the fun of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Maybe redemption is too strong a word, but with all of this attention on Luke, Joe’s normal-bordering-on-wholesome fling with Kayley is a breath of fresh air. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026 In Hawai’i, two lovers (Kenji and Jane) are drawn together for what’s supposed to be a summer fling. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Verb

Chunks of concrete were flung into a nesting and migration site important to some endangered species and a fire chewed through around 4 acres of Boca Chica State Park Land south of the Texas launchpad. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 Planting himself to the left of the penalty spot, Ballard flung his right boot at the ball, the speed of his leg swing producing enough power to beat Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling

Noun

Indeed, some even view the market downturn as a natural return to a more balanced field following the high-flying peak TV buying sprees of global streamers.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Duolingo says Apple 'named a phone after me' Duolingo also went on a posting spree on X after the announcement.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of spree

Noun

Against a backdrop of hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
The Emmy Awards have become a streamlined affair in recent years, as voters, sifting through a fragmented TV landscape, inevitably land on a small set of favorite programs.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of affair

Verb

Idzik and fellow walk-on Jordan Garside would reserve a lecture hall in the business school, write their mocks on the whiteboard and throw a two-person draft party.

— Joseph Person, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
The gallery watched with rapt attention as Reddington gestured wildly, slammed his hand down and threw a stack of papers onto the bench.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of throw

Noun

Kennesaw State, your reigning Conference USA champ, kicked off its football season with a 47-0 romp over West Georgia.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
No smooth state-of-the-art romp, their vision deploys basic power tools, life-or-death desperation and unstoppable adrenaline.

— Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of romp

Noun

For Schott, an Aggie who briefly played Banana Ball during a try-out for the league, the game bridged a gap between two worlds.

— Ian Curtis, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
That Kent is ready to give painting another try, and that is a breakthrough of its own, Kathy Winchell said.

— Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of try

Noun

By the early sixties, the romance of the untaught or naïve artist was really catching.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Ratajkowski and Gavras first sparked romance rumors in November 2025, when they were spotted out together in New York City, and were photographed with his arm around her and kissing multiple times.

— Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of romance

Verb

Last month, Vance hurled himself into an obscure debate over burrito prices to make a gratuitous swipe at a conservative Washington Post columnist’s weight.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
Another member of Colorado’s group finally had enough and hurled an orange Gatorade bottle up at the fans.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurl

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flinders

fling

flinging

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“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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noun

verb

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Synonyms of fling

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing fling

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Cite this Entry

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