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Definition of slingnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sling distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sling are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, throw, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When is cast a more appropriate choice than sling?

The synonyms cast and sling are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When might fling be a better fit than sling?

While in some cases nearly identical to sling, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When would hurl be a good substitute for sling?

Although the words hurl and sling 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 sling?

While the synonyms pitch and sling are close in meaning, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can throw be used instead of sling?

The words throw and sling are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could toss be used to replace sling?

The meanings of toss and sling largely overlap; however, 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 sling
Verb
Steinem set out to expose the working conditions and interior lives of the bunnies slinging booze to the playboys who patronized the club. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Embroidery, beading, leatherwork, and fur transform the familiar silhouette, while a new second strap allows it to be slung across the shoulder. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 After months of further reporting, handwringing, mud-slinging and general messiness, the NBA dropped the hammer yesterday. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Going the extra mile with creative, interesting cocktails gives each bar a more elevated, mature vibe than the typical drinking establishments and dance clubs slinging vodka-sodas and High Noons — without losing any of the fun. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • Those tend to work for the incumbent because they're known and the challengers aren't, but the economic variables with Iran and gas prices are hanging there for the Republicans to hurt them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But please don’t expect everyone else to hang their heads in shame when looking at the heritage of this nation.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Mets used an opener, left-hander Jefry Yan, and four pitchers behind him, more than one of whom had trouble throwing strikes.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Ruisz threw for 255 yards and three TDs for the host Eagles (4-2, 1-2), who snapped a two-game losing streak.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The extinct bird seems to have swung their club hands in fights.
    — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Locally, the impact will be felt mostly within its circles where sentiment swings on the outcome of the next football game.
    — Mac Engel September 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Then toss a fresh pair of leggings into your cart to wear with popular oversized sweaters, and cute capris for the in-between-temp days.
    — Jessie Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Prison officials said surveillance footage showed Morales and Garcia handed the weapons used to kill Lopez to another inmate, Estevan Saucedo, who tossed them in a garbage can.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In this event, the antibodies can grab onto molecules dangling off the outside of the egg as well as molecules secreted by the egg.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In the image, a man is climbing up a ladder while holding on to a pair of shoes that are dangling above him and hanging from a tree, while another man is looking up.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But the ritual has increasingly gotten out of hand, culminating with someone hurling a chair into the crowd during the group’s performance last week in Charlotte, North Carolina, and reportedly sending one fan to the hospital.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Against one-on-one coverage, Tyquan Thornton broke open on a deep out-breaking route, and with pressure in his face, Patrick Mahomes hurled a pass that Thornton caught for a 30-yard gain and a fresh set of downs.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Surveillance footage of the incident shared by Palermo Today shows a number of passengers throwing punches, before one guest flings a chair at another.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • When the ball hit the turf, Rocchio flung his helmet in the air and Cleveland's dugout emptied onto the field to celebrate.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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