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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
By comparison, Bui-Duquette told me, some high-school students at the local fast-casual chain Culver’s were slinging corn dogs and ButterBurgers for eighteen dollars an hour. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026 The handstraps appear to be at least somewhat designed to prevent young people from slinging controllers into walls, as Valve's instructions specifically call out their suitability for smaller hands. Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 That's when Ezeiruaku similarly grabbed McCoy's helmet, slung it off his head and similarly sent it flying. Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 On his next turn, Fields rolled right before slinging a pass across his body that was brought in by wide receiver Andrew Armstrong for a score. Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • Yet the specter of AIDS hangs over him like the Sword of Damocles.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The Prepared Hero Fire Blanket is designed to help smother small fires by cutting off their oxygen supply and comes in a ready-to-hang pouch for easy access.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Idzik and fellow walk-on Jordan Garside would reserve a lecture hall in the business school, write their mocks on the whiteboard and throw a two-person draft party.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The gallery watched with rapt attention as Reddington gestured wildly, slammed his hand down and threw a stack of papers onto the bench.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • They are populated by characters who swing between extremes, people on the verge of disappearing one minute and of being too forward the next, either revealing too much or too little.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Steinem's version of feminism today is more aligned with Democrats at a time when, at least for now, the country has swung Republican.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Your first interaction with half-and-half might have been those tiny cups that get tossed on the table at diners, fast food joints, and other less-than-fancy places.
    Alyse Whitney, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Arnold also appeared in the Futures Game, tossing a scoreless inning with one strikeout and one walk.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Atlanta drivers were left shocked late Sunday night after a driver's legs were seen dangling from a vehicle lodged under an overpass.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Our friends also welcomed the way chef-owner Mychael Bonner cozied up the cavernous room by cutting off the back half with screens and setting the front with multihued art, dangling plants, and funky pendant chandeliers casting a soft light.
    John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Last month, Vance hurled himself into an obscure debate over burrito prices to make a gratuitous swipe at a conservative Washington Post columnist’s weight.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Another member of Colorado’s group finally had enough and hurled an orange Gatorade bottle up at the fans.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Her fearsome paradisical pieces have been flung like seed across the continents in an informal way.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Buckingham’s long-standing engineer, Gary Paczosa, had respect for how Steve reacted to the many ideas Dolly flung at him.
    Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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