fling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of flingnext
1
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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2
as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something take a fling at waterskiing and see how it goes

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in affaire
a brief romantic relationship an ill-advised fling with a coworker

Synonyms & Similar Words

fling

2 of 2

verb

ˈfliŋ How to pronounce fling (audio)
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
Swift’s 149-show, five-continent expedition encapsulated a tsunami of emotions not just among her fans, but her own journey through a very public breakup, a fling and, as indicated by her engagement to Kelce, knee-buckling love. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Oct. 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. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
From the window of a black pickup truck, a diaper was flung, narrowly missing them. —Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 Dart flung himself noggin-first into an Eagles defender in Week 5, and has been evaluated for a concussion three times in four games. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
  1. spree
  2. attempt
  3. throw
  4. romp
  5. try
  6. affair
  7. hurl
  8. lark
Noun
  • The Stommes’ two older children were unharmed physically in the shooting spree, while Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were slain.
    — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Meta has for some time been on a spendy AI hiring spree in a bid to grab the best talent on the market and address what CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes are lackluster results.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of spree
Noun
  • Such a slow start proved fatal to Yeovil, who went on to finish bottom of the table after being made to wait until October 26 for their first Huish Park victory at the seventh attempt.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Emerson was restrained by flight attendants and moved to the back of the plane, preventing any further attempts to sabotage the aircraft, per authorities.
    — Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • Marcus Mariota threw an interception that bounced off Deebo Samuel’s hands, and Washington came up short on two fourth-down conversions.
    — Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From 2018 to 2021, Lauren Spors faced a number of charges for a series of violent incidents, including striking a manager at a coffee shop and throwing a rock through a window in an effort to break into her mother's house.
    — David Clarey, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Lily, Herman and Grandpa all return with the help of some horror legends like Dee Wallace and Cassandra Peterson — better known as Elvira — to bring the wacky romp back to life in vibrant color.
    — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Mark Blinch / Getty Images In the ninth inning of a Game 1 romp, fans at Rogers Centre had some fun at Shohei Ohtani’s expense.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of romp
Noun
  • That could help with a key goal of the new transit line — persuading people who commute by car to give a more comfortable bus experience a try.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The two-point try was unsuccessful, but at 17-12, the game was within reach if Houston could figure something out on defense.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of try
Noun
  • Early in their careers, Bitzer, who mainly handles 800 Pound Gorilla’s business affairs, and Greiman, who focuses on creative development, worked in country music — both in artist management, and Greiman, at Outback Presents, a leading promoter of country music and comedy tours.
    — Frank DiGiacomo, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
  • But before that storied affair, there was the welcome dinner, held at the Chinatown institution Wo Hop.
    — James Factora, Them., 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of affair
Verb
  • Texas Tech’s football team was penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct because fans hurled tortillas during a 42-17 win over Kansas earlier this month.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
  • At one point, Jonah encourages Morgan to hurl eggs at a piece of art that dredges up painful memories.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of hurl
Noun
  • Despite the epic length, Kinds of Kindness ultimately comes across as a lark, riffing on pet motifs with the help of a game ensemble on triple duty.
    — A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
  • At that rummage-y point several years ago, Ben Stiller had no idea where his filmic lark would lead.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of lark

Phrases Containing fling

Browse Nearby Words

flinders
fling
flinging
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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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