Synonyms of sling

sling 1 of 2

verb (1)

as in to hang

to place on an elevated point without support from below

sling a hammock between the trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hang
• swing
• dangle
• hook
• string
• suspend
• mount
• pin
• drape
• tack
• extend (out)
• project
• stick out
• protrude
• overhang
• garland
• cascade
• depend
• festoon
• jut
• balance
• fall
• poise

sling

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈsliŋ 

as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm

slinging stones at the fence post

Synonyms & Similar Words

• throw
• toss
• hurl
• fling
• fire
• launch
• cast
• chuck
• heave
• let fly
• catapult
• gun
• lob
• pitch
• dart
• peg
• loft
• bowl
• pelt
• rifle
• flip
• dash
• roll
• hurtle
• hook
• thrust
• shoot
• pass
• eject
• project
• precipitate
• propel
• buck
• impel

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

Recent Examples of sling

Verb

Dale is still slinging wild conspiracy theories (and COVID has given him lots of ammunition). —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 25 July 2025

Rather than nod and acquiesce the way most celebrities are trained within an inch of their life to do, Stalter jumps to her feet with a little white purse slung over her shoulder. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 July 2025

The Bulls acquired him in August 2021 in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, and Ball initially dazzled in Chicago, slinging end-to-end passes and moving with the ball like it was attached to a string in the palm of his hand. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

Barbaro entered, leaving the motor running, carrying a rifle slung over his shoulder and another one under his arm, a bolt action high-powered .30-06, a 12-gauge shotgun. —Sally Ventura june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025