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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
  • Things certainly aren’t going well when your defensive coordinator’s name is emblazoned across bedsheets hanging from your school’s fraternity windows, calling for his firing.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The looming fear of job loss hangs over an entire generation.
    — Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Charlotte also turned the ball over on its first possession of the second half when Naz Reid (a game-high seven turnovers, but also a team-high 17 points) threw it away.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Just over a week before Wicker began filming in Hungary, costume designers András Dániel Tóth and Attila Godena-Juhász, who work together as András + Attila, were thrown one big curveball.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The outcome in California's 13th District could hinge on whether Lincoln can attract moderate and swing voters beyond the Republican base.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Fans at Capital One Arena swung white towels ecstatically after Justin Champagnie converted a shot — also drawing a foul — to give the Wizards a seven-point lead with just over eight minutes left.
    — Jake Kauderer, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Mensah tossed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Toney in the second overtime.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • However, Marshall tossed a critical interception with KU driving in the fourth quarter; he was picked off in the end zone.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In Angel’s trumpet (2026), a figure sits on the ground, roots dangling from her knees.
    — Tatiane de Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Logs dangle like toothpicks from machines with hydraulic claws, and the whole scene is enveloped in dust.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For over a week, protesters have hurled rocks, flares, firebombs and fireworks at police who have used batons and tear gas in clashes in the city center.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Videos show some masked protesters hurling objects at police as the tear gas drifts across the square.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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