1
as in sprees
a time or instance of carefree fun
most families spend Labor Day weekend having one last summer fling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
as in affairs
a brief romantic relationship
an ill-advised fling with a coworker
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in throws
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
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 flings
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
Lots of shows have car bombings and kidnappings, and at least a handful have women straining against the tension of their romantic lives and career ambitions while conducting their extramarital flings on the floor.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Jeremiah is miserable, has nowhere to live, and is trying to find meaning through meaningless flings.
—Olivia Petter, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
Some were long-term and committed partnerships, others were in more casual relationships, and a few simply had occasional flings.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Gen Z’s distaste for dating apps and casual flings does not fully encompass their philosophy around spending.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
From the early flings to her long-lasting connections, here’s a look back at Carrie Bradshaw’s dating history.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
The book also delves into Robertson’s personal life, chronicling his flings with several actresses, including Jennifer O’Neill, Canadian actress Geneviève Bujold, and French thespian Carole Bouquet.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
Lots of shows have car bombings and kidnappings, and at least a handful have women straining against the tension of their romantic lives and career ambitions while conducting their extramarital flings on the floor.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, Jeremiah is miserable, has nowhere to live, and is trying to find meaning through meaningless flings.
—Olivia Petter, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
Some were long-term and committed partnerships, others were in more casual relationships, and a few simply had occasional flings.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Gen Z’s distaste for dating apps and casual flings does not fully encompass their philosophy around spending.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
From the early flings to her long-lasting connections, here’s a look back at Carrie Bradshaw’s dating history.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
There also were nights at the Playboy mansion and flings with men while high.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flings
Noun
-
Silicon Valley giants announce huge AI spending sprees Silicon Valley giants announced huge AI spending sprees, drawing divergent market reactions — while seeming to ease fears of a major market correction.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
-
This monster is the precursor to slasher villains like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, who lumber along on their killing sprees, though this blueprint is far more sympathetic.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Sabres, who still haven’t won a road game in five tries, play their next three games on the road against the Utah Mammoth, Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings, three teams that are rolling early in the season.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Zacha stuck with it and tapped home the GWG, giving the B’s their fourth win in as many tries in extra time this season.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Senators attached the continuing resolution to a package of spending bills addressing military construction, veterans affairs, agriculture and congressional operations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
-
With this in mind, numerous sources from across the industry settled on Apple executive Jay Hunt, a former BBC Six O’Clock News editor, and James Harding, the ex-BBC current affairs boss who now runs Tortoise Media and the Observer, as credible candidates.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Principal photography is underway in Dallas, Texas, on the film which follows the Kassis family, whose healthy young son, Jade, is suddenly stricken with HLH — a rare and deadly blood disorder that throws them into a battle for his life.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The 5-foot-11, 154-pound Imai throws a mix of six pitches, but is more than simply a deception specialist.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
From lush historical tales to rom-com romps, there's something for everyone in our favorite summer 2025 romance novels.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
For those seeking out big adventures, zesty romps in nature that will test your mettle, look no further than Eleven’s hut-to-hut multi-day hiking journey.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Even on low volume from deep (seven attempts), that’s a recipe for offensive success, and it was reflected in Mizzou’s 50 first-half points.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Her clarion voice slices through the show’s labored attempts to be both fable and fabulous.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Although several early romances blossom, some misguided flubs send four sexy singles to the chopping block.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Doremus’s credits include Like Crazy and sci-fi romances Zoe and Equals.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Captives of a human trafficking ring, their fight for survival turns even more desperate when a violent storm hurls their container into the ocean.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The collision hurls Keevik toward me, nearly tossing me into the water.—
Chloe Berge,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flings. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share