sling 1 of 2

Definition of slingnext

sling

2 of 2

verb (2)

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
With a golf bag slung over his shoulder and 23-month-old son Bennett in his arms, the two-time Masters champion strolled with wife Meredith, his high school sweetheart, and their newborn son Remy tucked away in a baby carrier after arriving just 12 days earlier. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Plus, the locals love taco-slinging Cosmica for Cal-Mex brunch and colorful cocktails, plus World Cup watch parties on the spacious patio. Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026 Bette Midler and Patti Smith sang; Lily Gladstone gave a heartfelt speech about Native American resistance; Ayo Edebiri made a surprise appearance to encourage people to vote in the midterms; and De Niro slung some other curse words at the administration while yearning for a different America. Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 Style it with comfy walking sneakers and a sweater slung over your shoulders for afternoon sightseeing, then dress it up with heeled sandals and some jewelry for dinner with friends. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • This doesn't see three Li-ion battery packs all connected at once for long-range riding, but rather provides a downtube pack plus two spares in a cage hanging from the rear rack.
    Paul Ridden June 23, New Atlas, 23 June 2026
  • For care, the brand recommends washing the set on a gentle cycle with cold water, then hanging it or laying it flat to air-dry.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Marlins starter Ryan Gusto tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings before giving way to John King (6-1), who threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings against his former team.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Kirby Yates threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his 100th career save and second this season.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Any behavior requires a coordinated action across the brain—swing a baseball bat, complete a math problem—and the more the action is repeated, the more the associated neural pathways will strengthen.
    James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Ryan returned the favor in the fourth, getting Dalton Rushing, Freeland and Ohtani to all swing and miss.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Contreras was tossed immediately, while Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton, interim manager Chad Tracy and Washington pitcher Miles Mikolas were all sent to the showers early.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Guardians rookie Cooper Ingle made a routine catch last night and tossed the ball into the stands.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The herbaceous perennial's name likely comes from its long, slender leaves that resemble spiders’ legs and the way its offsets dangle from the main plant like spiders from a web.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
  • Sher paired the look with minimal makeup, a pair of dangling earrings and a sunhat to shield her face from the sun.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Whether your 9-to-5 job involves a rare combination of manual record keeping and precarious wilderness travel, or your idea of outdoor recreation includes journaling your day while remaining at the ready for whatever nature hurls at you, the all-new Pen-metheus equips you for it all.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 June 2026
  • At its core, the hearing involved two former business partners hurling major accusations against one another.
    Lauren Victory, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The bio-andy was flung off its feet, the light armor turning rigid.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 June 2026
  • The video showed the person flinging open the office door and opening fire from the hallway.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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