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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
  • The charcoal figure hanging above a cabinet in the primary suite’s sitting room?
    — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The dining room is striking, accented with emerald green tiles, and the outdoor tables sit beneath hanging plants that turn the space into its own tropical enclave.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Bella chews him out for punching Angus in the face right before Angus’s big presentation, which Johnny knew about because they were supposed to throw a return supper for him, a dinner Johnny was supposed to cook.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Victories by Germany’s AfD in state elections have thrown the viability of the country’s government into doubt, while France’s National Rally is the odds-on favorite to win next year’s presidential election.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • When the Spider swings past a silverish-gray newsstand filled with copies of the Daily Bugle, the frame becomes black-and-white, even in the color version.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • There was no notice to staff that swings in blood sugar levels can cause the kind of emotional distress and behavioral outbursts that got Christian in trouble.
    — Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some reports claimed that they were tossed onto the road near the site of his former toll booth.
    — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • If using a can, toss it in the fridge for a few hours, or even the freezer for a bit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The bigger numbers were dangling off of Kravitz’s right wrist.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Tom Cruise has dangled from cliffs, skyscrapers and planes, but oil magnate Digger Rockwell is his riskiest role in eons.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When campaigning for parliament in 2024, Farage had a milkshake thrown at him by a woman and on another occasion objects were hurled towards his open-top bus by a man.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The disdain liberal media outlets hurl at her isn't because Sweeney defied their values.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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