Synonyms of sling

sling 1 of 2

verb (1)

as in to hang

to place on an elevated point without support from below

sling a hammock between the trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hang
• swing
• dangle
• hook
• string
• suspend
• mount
• pin
• drape
• tack
• extend (out)
• project
• stick out
• protrude
• overhang
• garland
• cascade
• depend
• festoon
• jut
• balance
• fall
• poise

sling

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈsliŋ 

as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm

slinging stones at the fence post

Synonyms & Similar Words

• throw
• toss
• hurl
• fling
• fire
• launch
• cast
• chuck
• heave
• let fly
• catapult
• gun
• lob
• pitch
• dart
• peg
• loft
• bowl
• pelt
• rifle
• flip
• dash
• roll
• hurtle
• hook
• thrust
• shoot
• pass
• eject
• project
• precipitate
• propel
• buck
• impel

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

Recent Examples of sling

Verb

Thanks to its convertible strap, the bag can be worn across the body, slung over the shoulder, or as a clutch. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025

Gate 22 East Side Pies Paper-thin, crunchy slices from the team that has been slinging pies in Austin for 20 years. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 17 Dec. 2025

Martino's history in the community Martino’s was founded in 1977 by Mary Anderson, who moved to Milwaukee from Chicago and began her career slinging hot dogs as a food vendor at local church fairs. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 13 Dec. 2025

Many of us have cameras slung around our necks. —Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025