Synonyms of swim

swim 1 of 2

verb

ˈswim 

1

as in to spin

to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around

his head was swimming after he was given so much information on his first day at the new job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spin
• reel
• turn
• whirl
• swirl

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• collect
• settle
• calm
• steady

2

as in to sail

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air

there appeared to be an oily film swimming on the water

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sail
• float
• hover
• ride
• drift
• glide
• hang
• bob
• waft
• suspend
• poise
• buoy
• dangle
• raft
• balloon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sink
• settle
• dive
• plunge
• lunge
• dip
• submerge
• immerse
• submerse

swim

2 of 2

noun

as in trance

a temporary state of unconsciousness

the merest glimpse of blood sends him into a swim

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trance
• daze
• faint
• syncope
• blackout
• sleep
• stupor
• swoon
• knockout
• insensibility
• drowsiness
• narcosis
• somnolence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of swim

Verb

Some of this year’s winners and honorable mentions included tiny jellyfish larvae swimming inside water droplets, a colorful sea slug wiggling along and many different forms of cells exploring their microscopic worlds. — Adrianne Morales, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2026

We’re told that Robert tried to swim after his parents in the middle of a tempest while holding his war hammer. — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Noun

Packing two means you’re never stuck putting on a cold, damp suit for the next swim. — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2026

He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and dark colored swim trunks. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026