sling 1 of 2

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

Examples of sling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Sharky’s, meanwhile, has been slinging tiki drinks like the Shark Attack since 1986 and has live music and karaoke every night. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2024 In an offense that has quarterback Tua Tagovailoa slinging passes to wide receiver talents like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, at the foundation of what coach Mike McDaniel does is still the ground game. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2024 Grown-up poolside loungers surround the deeper section, which is conveniently close to the little bar cart slinging glasses of icy watermelon frosé and spicy Angry Bird margaritas ($13). Amber Turpin, The Mercury News, 15 July 2024 The walls are their own historical record, a floor-to-ceiling mosaic of license plates, beverage advertisements and Sports Illustrated covers celebrating 86 years of slinging hot pizza and pouring cold beer. Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near sling

Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.

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