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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 comfortable straps can be held in your hands, or slung over your shoulder. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026 In the wake of the original trilogy, Raimi and Campbell became horror movie luminaries and Campbell’s chainsaw-wielding and boomstick slinging Ash Williams transformed into an antihero icon. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 To match the online-review enthusiasm for its pizza-slinging predecessor, Boran Coffee will need to execute at a high level. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026 Cam slung his golf bag over one shoulder and climbed onto his bike. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • But if the Cubs hadn’t won that epic Game 7 in Cleveland and 1908 still hung over the franchise?
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Nothing adds to the backyard magic like the soft glow of string lights, and these durable iron posts are the perfect way to hang them.
    Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Stockton threw the most passing touchdowns of any high school quarterback in state history (177) as a four-year starter for the Wildcats.
    Jack Leo, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • The midfielder was deemed to have delayed a restart by throwing the ball away.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Around the family, people shared takeout dinners, swung on hammocks and chattered.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • As the pendulum swung back and forth in the second half Argentina was left with 13 men after Joaquin Oviedo and Santiago Carreras were shown yellow cards for a neck roll and professional foul.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Others drape seal intestines over their fins or take turns tossing sea lion pelts into the air, Shields said.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • Evans hit another amazing dive to the outside on Theory before tossing Breakker into the timekeepers area.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • The trailer then cuts to Driver dangling a glimmering necklace over the pool with his foot while girls struggle to reach for it, perhaps subtly alluding to Misty’s fate.
    Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026
  • In recent months, with his cancer diagnosis now public, his attitude had softened and the prospect of him coming back to the stadium was dangling.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Truelove, who has a criminal history as well as mental health issues, instead approached Melvin and hurled a racial slur at the co-host before he was detained.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026
  • Zeus and Poseidon are at it again—one hurling thunderbolts, the other whipping the sea into a frenzy.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The impact flung trillions of tons of debris into the sky, and much of it headed right into that yawning atmosphere and into Earth’s orbit.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
  • The moment when everything has been flung apart and is exploding in front of you.
    Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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