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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
How decadent to have a vermouth on the rocks and sweet treats — affogato, flan, a silky strawberry panna cotta — under the half moon slung low in the sky. — Amanda Lee Koe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Expect to see everyone from locals clad in athleisure to camera-slinging couples in breezy linen button-downs returning from a nearby wine tasting. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026 This is a great combination of quarterbacks who should be slinging the ball and make for an exciting game. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Working on the Emmy-winning Hulu/FX series has been a full-circle moment for the onetime pizza delivery driver (in his hometown of Rochester, New York) whose first tattoo was inspired by his slice-slinging life. — Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • That way, the shoulder stitching wouldn’t hang below his shoulder and his pants wouldn’t drag on the ground.
    — Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Aside from briefly losing the seat for one term nearly a decade ago, Valadao has hung onto the seat.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Every move made by one voice of the piano is orchestrated to cast some new light or shadow on the others; one false note would throw the elegant balance out of whack.
    — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
  • With 13 seconds left and third down at the Braves’ 12, Guess threw the ball up toward the end zone and Brown, his best friend since the age of 6, caught it for a touchdown.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The pendulum has swung so far now that SpaceX seems increasingly disinterested in the US government for most contracts outside of data services, such as Starshield for military communications and observations.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Amelie’s swung open the doors on its original NoDa location in 2008.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Before long, the barricades lay tossed aside and the tents within went up in smoke, along with Vucic's power.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Before long, the barricades lay tossed aside and the tents within went up in smoke, along with Vucic’s power.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Two days later, my husband found the frame of my wheelchair dropped off on our doorstep, scratches across the front, two parts dangling.
    — Rebekah Taussig, Time, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Rebels’ playoff hopes dangling and RB Kewan Lacy (shoulder) is out.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For over a week, protesters have hurled rocks, flares, firebombs and fireworks at police who have used batons and tear gas in clashes in the city center.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Videos show some masked protesters hurling objects at police as the tear gas drifts across the square.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • What’s more, even as they are defined by death, bogs are also springboards for unusual and unlikely life-forms that extend our understanding of biology—from acid-flinging mosses to amphibian-eating plants.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The refs have also flung their hankies for 177 false starts, the biggest tally in nearly 20 years.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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