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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 show takes place in a separate world from Tom Holland’s MCU character and follows the early days of Peter Parker’s web-slinging career. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 Because of his athleticism, Ward sometimes falls into the trap of slinging the ball around without taking time to give himself a firm base. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2026 This is where Webb can return to his Texas Tech days of slinging it, of finding mismatches in uptempo. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 On September 13 the Materialists star was photographed leaving the 2026 US Open men’s singles championships with the cozy layering piece slung over her shoulder, revealing a romantic white silk camisole underneath. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • The Brewers have long hung their hat on playing sound baseball, from pitching and defense to baserunning.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In the bedroom, a photograph by Wolfgang Tillmans hangs opposite a Roman torso of Dionysus.
    — Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Young men from the village threw stones back, Khrzhanovskiy said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That sudden ascent, for a band spiritually in league with the Velvet Underground and Suicide, led some to wonder what exactly happened behind the social media scenes to get them there (one conspiratorial phrase got thrown around in particular).
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Deputies say Gonzalez grabbed a dumbbell, raised it and swung at Murant.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Squalls swung in across the north bank and obscured the river.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • That woman was truly unbothered, a term tossed around online, but the literal act of not being bothered is impossible for most people beyond the quirkiest, like my onetime neighbor, or maybe Fran Lebowitz.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026
  • After a promising start to the potential game-tying drive in the extra frame, Tagovailoa would toss an interception to Baltimore All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to seal Atlanta's fate.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Edebiri’s dangling earrings also provided a welcome pop of color, with their wine-hue complementing her berry lipstick.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Amaranth added long, dangling shapes, while dahlias brought deep maroon, plum and magenta tones.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The settlers hurled stones with slings and set the groves on fire, chasing a group of journalists about 80 yards from the scene.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The protest turned violent when a group of young people wearing masks hurled rocks at riot police, who responded with stun grenades, tear gas and a water cannon.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • What’s more, even as they are defined by death, bogs are also springboards for unusual and unlikely life-forms that extend our understanding of biology—from acid-flinging mosses to amphibian-eating plants.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The refs have also flung their hankies for 177 false starts, the biggest tally in nearly 20 years.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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