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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
Jessica Alba is flaunting her bikini body after her ex-husband, Cash Warren, was seen with his new fling. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025 The series introduced Rosner’s Liam at the end of Season 3 as Maggie’s old summer fling who’d returned to seemingly stir up trouble. Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
There also were nights at the Playboy mansion and flings with men while high. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025 The second rider for Nashville, Austin Richardson, appeared to get knocked out aboard Hold on Loosely when the bull bucked violently coming out of the chute and Richardson’s upper body flung forward, causing his face shield to smash against the bull’s head. Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
Noun
  • Gunman opens fire across Denver area On December 27, 2021, a gunman killed five people and wounded several others, including a police officer, in a Denver metro area shooting spree that included a car chase and gunfights with law enforcement, authorities said.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Patrizio led the group’s ’90s acquisition spree, its Hong Kong IPO in 2011, and most recently the takeover of Versace.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This story contains graphic descriptions of suicide attempts.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Then, at the end of the episode, Slightly pulls Arthur’s body into a ventilation shaft, in what could be a belated act of regret or an attempt to preserve a Xenomorph host body before any other aliens can eat it.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While much of last season was a lost cause due to Tua Tagovailoa being injured, the Dolphins still aren't throwing the ball downfield.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Or, take after Aniston by throwing them on with flip-flops and a basic T-shirt.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Bulls jumped into my top 25 after a season-opening romp against Boise State in Week 1, but most of the rest of the country was cautious.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In this laugh-a-minute romp, Keke Palmer and SZA star as two down-on-their-luck besties and roommates who discover (much too late) that one of their boyfriends squandered their rent money.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • How To Play Wordle Wordle is a daily word puzzle game where your goal is to guess a hidden five-letter word in six tries or fewer.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Lancers trailed 24-0 at halftime and rallied in the second half before being turned away on a fourth down try at the Basha 14-yard line with 17 seconds left in the game.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The two reportedly began an affair after meeting.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The squad is undoubtedly better, the first XI is probably not, and the club were made to look weak over the Isak affair.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Born in what is now Zimbabwe, Bland spent hours as a child hurling stones at telegraph poles.
    James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Protesters hurled rocks at government vehicles, breaking windows and side-view mirrors, according to prosecutors.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But no matter who did what, Solo is a pretty entertaining, sometimes inspired lark that imagines how Han Solo (a really quite fine Alden Ehrenreich) met Chewbacca and Lando.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
  • No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream.
    Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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