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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
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 Meanwhile, David, wore a white T-shirt, khaki pants, and slung a butter yellow sweater around his shoulders. Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 Label project coordinator Frances Farlee recently attended a show slinging artisanal cocktails. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 Agitators in top load washers tend to be rough on clothes and can cause rips in clothes if items get stuck and slung around the process. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • The next batter, Sogard, pulled a hanging breaking ball from Hentges off the Green Monster, driving in Monasterio and tying the game.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In the shade of a dense forest canopy, Odette Kouakou paces through her grove of cocoa trees, snapping off dead leaves and poking the ripe yellow pods hanging down from the branches with a stick.
    Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In true Richards’ fashion, of course, Kyle transfers her distress into throwing yet another one of her overwrought white parties, whose guest list is filled with a caravan of beloved names in the Bravo-verse.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Herkov experienced Florida’s first national championship with Wuerffel throwing touchdowns and Spurrier dialing up plays.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, the chief executive said Hilton's middle- and upper-middle segments have swung from posting negative numbers to growing at rates as high as 6%.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Slingshot surges forward as the tach swings toward redline, the exhaust emitting a guttural howl.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To add to the playfulness, beach balls were also tossed about during up-tempo songs.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Roast for 20 minutes, then toss the vegetables and carefully flip the chicken.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Anthropic is currently dangling base salaries of $320,000 to $405,000 for staff software engineering roles, for example.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators say Williams proceeded to strangle the woman, holding her up for 20 to 25 seconds until her feet dangled beneath her.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Loaded trucks plodded through the crowd with people in their cargo beds throwing tomatoes at the revelers — who, in turn, hurled them at one another.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When a massive riot erupted at Soledad on Cinco de Mayo in 1968, Trejo hurled a rock that smashed a prison guard in the head.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Planting himself to the left of the penalty spot, Ballard flung his right boot at the ball, the speed of his leg swing producing enough power to beat Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There was a play in which Young scrambled outside the pocket and flung the ball to the sideline, which McMillan hunted down and caught with two hands.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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