Synonyms of fling

fling 1 of 3

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
• ploy
• rollick
• binge
• frisk
• escapade
• festivity
• prank
• carouse
• caper
• souse
• bender
• bum
• toot
• antic
• splore
• merrymaking
• amusement
• enjoyment
• shenanigan(s)
• merriment
• bust
• indulgence
• brannigan
• diversion
• field day
• pleasure
• monkeyshine(s)
• entertainment
• 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 affair

a brief romantic relationship

an ill-advised fling with a coworker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

fling

2 of 3

verb (1)

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

fling (off or away)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to dump

to get rid of as useless or unwanted

he flung away the used matchstick

flinging off dirty clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dump
• discard
• unload
• ditch
• lose
• set aside
• throw away
• cast (off)
• slough (off)
• shuck (off)
• throw out
• scrap
• abandon
• shed
• lay by
• reject
• chuck
• dispose of
• sluff (off)
• remove
• toss
• junk
• jettison
• eliminate
• exorcise
• wipe out
• kick out
• eighty-six
• stamp (out)
• dismiss
• cashier
• deep-six
• forsake
• abdicate
• pitch
• eradicate
• abolish
• desert
• root (out)
• exterminate
• expunge
• extirpate
• extinguish
• annihilate
• liquidate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adopt
• take on
• use
• embrace
• utilize
• employ
• keep
• hold
• retain
• hold back

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

But family scenes help ground Kiyoko’s tearjerker in universal questions of shame and self-acceptance that land harder through Coley’s arc than the on-again-off-again fling surrounding her growth. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 16 June 2026

In a departure from the novel, the noncommittal ladies’ man also develops a fling with Percy’s childhood friend — and married woman — Delilah (​Abigail Cowen). — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026

Verb

And as Hunter bounded to the dugout, Bonds lifted him off the ground and flung him over his shoulder like a bag of mulch or a sack of potatoes. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 13 July 2026

In it, a black SUV is pointed toward a white van, its door flung open. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Phrases Containing fling

• fling (off or away)