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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
Seven Days in June Seven Days in June $18 $16 Amazon What’s hotter than reigniting a passionate fling with the one that got away? Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 May 2025 Staten gets angry, feeling left behind again, and accuses her of seeing their relationship as just a fling. Francesca Gariano, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
In celebration, Steele Canyon’s infielders flung their gloves in the air. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 Johnston flung the puck on net from just below the goal line and somehow squeezed it past a stunned Mackenzie Blackwood, giving Dallas an almost immediate 1-0 lead. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
Noun
  • The killing spree occurred as authorities were trying to hunt down William G. Bonin, a former Downey truck driver known as the Freeway Killer.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Killing spree begins The first of the eight killings happened Nov. 27, 2017.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • In the book, Katherine and Michael’s friends Erica and Artie try their hand at dating but Artie’s struggles with his sexuality and eventual suicide attempt prevent it from going further.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • The two attempts to create mine were ridiculously flawed with 100% false statements.
    John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The girl, whose family identified her as Lily, was driven to a remote location on the night of May 3, where her ex-boyfriend then assaulted her, choked her and threw her from a moving vehicle, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 May 2025
  • Angels outfielder Mike Trout, who went on the injured list May 2 with a left knee injury, did some throwing Friday and is continuing to progress in his rehab, but Washington said the team has no date for his return.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • In the Northeastern Conference, Jason Rothwell (six goals) eclipsed 100 career goals, while Chase Russo added five goals and two assists as Swampscott pulled away for a 21-4 romp of Salem.
    Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025
  • The superheroic romp starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus topped this weekend's box office with a $33 million take, making for a $128.4 million domestic gross after two weeks in theaters.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Under the cover of darkness, the Traitors murder the Faithful one by one in a treacherous spree, while the Faithful try to uncover the Traitors and banish them from the game.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 9 May 2025
  • The Oilers entered the game with a 23-15 deficit in power-play tries in the playoffs.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The Yankees’ reliever put himself in the jam, walking Luis Torrens, allowing a Brett Baty single and hitting Tyrone Taylor with a pitch before Lindor provided the winning run in a back-and-forth affair.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
  • That elite quintet consisted of domestic policy advisor Bruce Reed, chief strategist Mike Donilon, legislative affairs guru Steve Ricchetti and chief of staff Ron Klain, each of whom had deep ties to Biden.
    Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Inside the truck, the bodies of three teenage boys hurled forward, each with terrible velocity.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
  • The strongest solar flare so far this year hurled streams of plasma and charged particles into the cosmos and caused communications blackouts on five continents.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • But the leader of the free world picked up himself when the pair called on a lark days later, delivering on an impromptu interview the White House had previously cancelled.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been hard for musicians to shake the idea that fusing country and rap can be more than a lark.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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