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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
Steinem set out to expose the working conditions and interior lives of the bunnies slinging booze to the playboys who patronized the club. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Embroidery, beading, leatherwork, and fur transform the familiar silhouette, while a new second strap allows it to be slung across the shoulder. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 After months of further reporting, handwringing, mud-slinging and general messiness, the NBA dropped the hammer yesterday. Chris Branch, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Going the extra mile with creative, interesting cocktails gives each bar a more elevated, mature vibe than the typical drinking establishments and dance clubs slinging vodka-sodas and High Noons — without losing any of the fun. Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 20 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
  • In Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency said the Israeli army threw stun grenades where Lebanese army forces were stationed at the entrance to the town of Deir Mimas.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Reboots gonna reboot, although simply restarting things from scratch and/or throwing canon out the window is no guarantee of an upgrade.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Hardy avoided a collision, but Showalter grabbed him and swung him off his bicycle, the lawsuit said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Bryce Harper swung at a first-pitch slider, well out of the zone, and grounded out to second base.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The arrival of a cadre of veteran playmakers tossed into the mix in Cincinnati was here and, consequently, the reason the Bengals won.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Legal issues in speech and removal from game Central to the dispute is whether the Sky had sufficient grounds to toss Kanter.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Chopping vegetables with tiny baby feet dangling in front of the cutting board was a new challenge, but one easily solved by a little shifting and angling.
    Caroline Chambers, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The knot of a yellow tie dangled below the collar of a baggy shirt.
    Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Similarly, in May of last year, Angel Reese claimed that Fever fans hurled racist comments her way during a game.
    Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Dust and rocky soil were hurled away at a higher angle than expected, according to Mark Robinson, chief scientist for the LRO’s cameras who works at Intuitive Machines.
    Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Surveillance footage of the incident shared by Palermo Today shows a number of passengers throwing punches, before one guest flings a chair at another.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • When the ball hit the turf, Rocchio flung his helmet in the air and Cleveland's dugout emptied onto the field to celebrate.
    CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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