Synonyms of fling

fling 1 of 2

noun

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

• spree
• romp
• lark
• revel
• gambol
• idyll
• frolic
• idyl
• ploy
• rollick
• binge
• frisk
• escapade
• festivity
• prank
• carouse
• caper
• souse
• bender
• bum
• toot
• antic
• splore
• merrymaking
• amusement
• shenanigan(s)
• enjoyment
• merriment
• bust
• indulgence
• brannigan
• diversion
• field day
• entertainment
• monkeyshine(s)
• pleasure
• recreation
• self-indulgence

2

as in attempt

an effort to do or accomplish something

take a fling at waterskiing and see how it goes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attempt
• try
• stab
• go
• offer
• pass
• shot
• bid
• endeavor
• trial
• bash
• crack
• assay
• whirl
• whack
• essay
• struggle
• undertaking
• striving
• throes
• trial and error

3

as in affaire

a brief romantic relationship

an ill-advised fling with a coworker

Synonyms & Similar Words

• affaire
• affair
• romance
• love
• amour
• liaison
• love affair
• intrigue
• dalliance
• flirtation
• infatuation
• entanglement
• attachment
• idyll
• hanky-panky
• idyl
• puppy love
• passion
• calf-love

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

• throw
• hurl
• toss
• sling
• fire
• launch
• cast
• heave
• chuck
• let fly
• catapult
• lob
• hurtle
• pitch
• flip
• dart
• dash
• bowl
• pelt
• peg
• gun
• loft
• thrust
• roll
• pass
• shoot
• hook
• rifle
• propel
• eject
• precipitate
• project
• impel
• buck

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

Recent Examples of fling

Noun

In the best movies streaming this August, that can mean death, summer flings, and partying until the sun comes up. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2025

But when the pair begin to realize their casual love affair is far more meaningful than a fling, complications and hard, hidden truths bubble to the surface that affect both of their futures. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025

Verb

Only one shot was fired, and the gun was flung, in haste, out a window and onto the roof of a passing taxi—details that seem to rule out any elaborate plot. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

In that game, Cunningham was ejected in the final minute after grabbing Sun guard Jacy Sheldon by the head in the paint and flinging her out of bounds. —Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing fling

• fling (off or away)