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

On June 2, the A Simple Favor actress shared a photo of her husband Ryan Reynolds holding a mini tan Hermès Kelly bag slung over one shoulder. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 9 June 2026

Beyond the buzzy openings and the hottest reservations in town, the Queen City is stacked with neighborhood gems, secret speakeasies, hole-in-the-wall taquerias and even a gas station deli that’s been quietly slinging Southern classics for nearly four decades. —Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

Ask anyone about this craft, and Tom Cruise slinging liquor in an aloha shirt is probably what comes to mind, Husted says. —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026

Check out this live clip from 1990 – few guitarists could look and sound this cool with their guitar slung so high, and with a dodgy-looking strap casually hooked over their right shoulder. —New Atlas, 30 May 2026