Synonyms of sling

sling 1 of 2

verb (1)

as in to hang

to place on an elevated point without support from below

sling a hammock between the trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hang
• swing
• dangle
• hook
• string
• suspend
• mount
• pin
• drape
• tack
• extend (out)
• project
• stick out
• protrude
• overhang
• garland
• cascade
• depend
• festoon
• jut
• balance
• fall
• poise

sling

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈsliŋ 

as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm

slinging stones at the fence post

Synonyms & Similar Words

• throw
• toss
• hurl
• fling
• fire
• launch
• cast
• chuck
• heave
• let fly
• catapult
• gun
• lob
• pitch
• dart
• peg
• loft
• bowl
• pelt
• rifle
• flip
• dash
• roll
• hurtle
• hook
• thrust
• shoot
• pass
• eject
• project
• precipitate
• propel
• buck
• impel

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

Recent Examples of sling

Verb

This one was about stuffing the New York Jets inside the gym bag Aaron Rodgers had slung over his right shoulder on his walk out of his former place of employment. —Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

New York's iconic Russ & Daughters celebrates 100 years of slinging bagels and lox this year. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025

Herbert ran to his right on the Kansas City 23-yard line and slung a sidearm pass to Johnston for his second touchdown of the game. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025

At Miami, Ward stood behind his offensive line and slung deep balls with the urgency of a strong-armed sloth. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025