sling 1 of 2

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
Taking a break from slinging hamburgers during the weekend lunch rush, Darlene Dumond acknowledged that Allagash remains divided on Jackson. ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 The Inn at Speculator is an institution in town, slinging a wide range of dinner items. Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 The long-running tradition, which includes barbecue, raffles and games, invites members of the public to hear from a lineup of political speakers slinging zingers at each other. Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Collins brought the glamour in a black tank top with thick straps, paired with flowy pants emblazoned with a green leaf pattern and a bright green scarf slung over her shoulder. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling
Verb
  • This hanging planter can be used year-round to display faux greenery, trailing flowers, or vibrant blooms to match the season.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Primary Bedroom The mingling of prints and colors continues into the primary suite, where Jenny covered a custom headboard in Serena Dugan’s Capretto Outdoor Fabric in Flame/Fuchsia and hung a piece from local artist Whitney Stoddard.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Logan Webb yielded one run on four hits and a walk over eight innings for the Giants, throwing 100 pitches.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Higher gas prices threw Javier Casillas’ lower-income customers for a loop.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But once every 12 years, during the Year of the Horse, the doors swing open.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The inning should have been over after Bo Bichette swung on a bouncing pitch that went back to the backstop, but Washington catcher Keibert Ruiz threw the ball past first base, and Bichette was safe.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The slab was too heavy to toss aside, and Osorio was worried there could be more people trapped underneath.
    Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor Walls homered from both sides of the plate for the second time in his career, Nick Martinez tossed a complete game and the Tampa Bay Rays won their eighth straight game, 12-4 over the Athletics on Tuesday night.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Down the street, Irv Anderson said the first storm of July left utility lines dangling across the neighborhood.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Anyway, Mullins opens the meeting by dangling the promise of a near-future desk job in front of Joe.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kirk got the win with 5 1/3 innings to beat NorCal in the unofficial state title game in the region opener on Sunday, two days before Martinez hurled a complete-game one-hitter to beat Hawaii in the region semifinal.
    Dennis Pope, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In the attack on Don Maca a few days later, one of the 20 crew members said the first blast hurled him into the air.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The boundary between indoor and outdoor living is nearly erased as floor-to-ceiling glass windows and walls are flung open to redefine the term cross-breeze.
    Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At least 15 Tigers groundskeepers joined a seventh-inning squirrel chase that spilled into right field, where the critter ran into Leody Taveras’ glove and was accidentally flung skyward.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sling

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster