sling 1 of 2

sling

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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
Entering the dark and candlelit hotel suite, Phillip saw a robed man sitting in the corner of the room with a bandana covering his face and a baseball cap slung over his head. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2025 Red Hook Lobster Pound, Luke’s Lobster and a guy slinging crustaceans from his Greenpoint apartment all get in on the action. New York Times, 7 May 2025 The ice cream shop located on a barge in the harbor is slinging scoops in flavors like pepperberry, lavender white chocolate, and honeycomb crunch made using local milk and other island ingredients. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025 About half the candidates make the cut after interviewing, slinging a bale of hay, and displaying calm with horses. Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sling

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Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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