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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
The final sprint to Tuesday's midterm elections has kicked up a flurry of headlines about attack ads slung by candidates and verbal jabs thrown by current and former occupants of the White House. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 Shamberger and the rest of the team spent the morning slinging bacon and pancakes in exchange for donations to the bar. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 In the photo, Consuelos, 55, transforms into Spider-Man, sporting the web-slinging superhero’s signature red-and-blue suit, while Ripa, 56, channels Yelena Belova in a tactical green ensemble. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2026 Brody also slung a jacket over his shoulder for good measure of his relaxed aesthetic. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • There is, of course, an automatic effect to hanging the tabletop pieces in place of the crucifix, their undulating surfaces almost reminiscent of a kind of spiritual abstraction.
    — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Her face appeared through the center of the hand, with blood dripping from her mouth and fake tendons hanging from the wrist.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Each man wins one round of the fight before it’s broken up, ensuring there’s no clear winner — but the mere fact that Cliff was able to throw a martial arts legend into the side of a car is a feather in his cap.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The ball was wet, leading to a few fumbles, while Fagnano couldn’t handle the pressure the Jaguars threw at him on his clear pass downs, leading to two interceptions.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The New York Times estimates all voters swung about 15 points toward Democrats compared to 2024, helping the party flip seats in deep red states like Texas and South Carolina.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Prices for the commodity have been volatile over the past few years as supplies swung dramatically one season to the next, with climate change, water scarcity, and pest and disease playing a role.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Nix tossed a pair of touchdown passes, using the same play-call each time — leaking a back or wide receiver into the end zone.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Drake London had his only reception on the next play, but the threat stalled when Penix tossed three incompletions from the 14 to turn the ball over on downs.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Also helpful for the studios is how little dangling the potential of money actually costs.
    — J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But the New England Patriots’ Christian Barmore, 27, who is signed long-term, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Moro Ojomo, 25, who is on an expiring contract, are two names being dangled around the league who might help New York.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Castro allegedly hurled a lacrosse ball toward the crowd, nearly striking someone, according to court documents.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Anger spilled into violence, with Molotov cocktails hurled at Tesla vehicles, charging stations set ablaze, and dealerships covered in graffiti.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • And if Herbert is offended by his passes being compared to someone flinging some Boar's Head around, then maybe work on not leading the league with ten interceptions.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Guests who think an occasional bottle of wine flung on the counter has rendered this custom obsolete should note that any sensible hostess will disagree.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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