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
The newspapers of that era also included lively and even abusive rhetoric slung at political opponents. Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Cage plays 1930s private investigator Ben Reilly who is also a web-slinging superhero. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 25 May 2026 In April the army slung a succession of drones on the city of Nyala in the state of South Darfur, the seat of power of the RSF’s parallel government. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026 Shows end and fame fades, but the beef stands will stay slinging. Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • Bryan Reynolds jumped on a hanging first-pitch curveball and lined it 422 feet into the left-field stands.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
  • Many families struggle to make ends meet, and economic uncertainty hangs over nearly every aspect of daily life.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Josh Rojas tried to sacrifice him over to third, but his bunt went straight back to Orze, who threw to second base too late to catch the retreating Tolbert.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • Sawchuk explained that Muschietti largely stuck to the shot list but would occasionally throw the team a curveball, adding that some of the most memorable cinematic moments in the series were added at the last minute.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • From this perspective, the pendulum has fully swung from being near resistance and overbought to being near support and oversold.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 10 June 2026
  • Once the board was attached, the contestant swung the board around by, yep, the spike in his nose.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Padres starter Griffin Canning tossed five innings against his former team.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2026
  • The fan encouraged the outfielder to toss a ball up to the youngster sitting next to him.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Tykes get slapped around, shot with arrows and dangled in traffic — tortures that are played seriously, but the shock of them allows you to guffaw.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Briscoe spent nine years in Salt Lake before his bosses dangled a chance to return to Manila as bureau chief.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates hurled a 2-0 no-hitter in the first game of a doubleheader against the San Diego Padres.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • Protests outside the gates have shown activists pummeling cars, impeding the exits and in some cases getting hurled out of the way after collisions with vehicles attempting to speed away from the violent activists.
    Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • My summer version of Jay Gatsby flinging his silk shirts over a balcony is filling a room with dainty cotton blouses and dresses in sweet floral motifs.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 5 June 2026
  • That pressure flings some of the hot gas outward in the form of a wind.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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