swims 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of swim
1
as in spins
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

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2
as in hovers
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

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swims

2 of 2

noun

plural of swim
as in dazes
a temporary state of unconsciousness the merest glimpse of blood sends him into a swim

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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 swims
Verb
Lo then jumps overboard to escape the assault and swims through the freezing waters to shore. Megan McCluskey, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 The only drama so far is Nicolle swims up to Mel, hangs off his neck, and starts making out with him. Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 This is all but confirmed when Laura swims in a nearby pond and discovers her parents' missing car. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025 Freya swims under, over, and along the waves, one after another. Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2025 As big a part of life as swimming was, Ruff had no plans of competing in it until her son David—who’s 65, lives nearby, and also swims three to four days per week—decided to sign up for a meet himself. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 11 Sep. 2025 Bear swims to the exit, and shakes off his wet fur. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 The title appears to be a metaphor suggesting that we’re destined to return to our familial relationships as frequently as the clownfish swims back into the tentacles of an anemone. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2025 The alien swims into the lung and finds a new home. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
Day-trippers dot the lake, braving chilly swims, renting rowboats, and basking in the sun. Lucy Kehoe, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025 The Catskills have always been a retreat—first for 19th-century painters and writers, later for city escapees chasing mountain air and summer swims. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 Chicago River Swim raises money for ALS research The race was organized by A Long Swim, which raises money for ALS research by staging open water swims throughout the United States. Melina Khan, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025 Forest walks, lazy lake days, midday swims, and evening bonfires are a part of your regular day. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025 Mall runs and night swims save the summer in the United Arab Emirates. Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 It is also equipped with shell doors on the port and starboard sides that open directly out to the water, meaning calming ocean swims are always on the cards. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025 Between swims in the Caribbean, guests can recharge with yoga classes at the hotel’s beachfront platform, linger over margaritas or sake martinis at the rooftop bar, or simply stretch out on the hotel’s private cabanas along the sand. Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2025 The little critter swims for a few seconds before disappearing into a crevice with a bloody slurp. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swims
Verb
  • Michelle spins a long and complicated tale, but insists Teddy was wrong about the Andromedans trying to infiltrate and poison humanity.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Shai Fargian, corporate executive chef at Calle Sol, spins that take into something more primal.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Out back, there’s a covered engawa, a traditional Japanese porch that hovers slightly off the ground.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Europe’s central bank is expected to hold rates steady in October as inflation hovers around its 2% target.
    Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The soft, breathable cotton blend fabric floats away from the body and can be worn both over a shirt and under a jacket.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Whereas therapy looks backward to heal, and self-help often floats in abstraction, Space of mind looks forward, quantifying how identity, beliefs, and emotions evolve over time.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Royal Caribbean sails itineraries to 270-plus destinations in 60-plus countries on six continents.
    Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Researchers know about the wrecks because reporting any commercial ship that sails on the lakes is required; from the early 19th century to the 20th century, about 40,000 ships sailed the Great Lakes, Baillod said.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More and faster private sector investments in renewable and battery storage projects in Ukraine are needed for the country to avert blackouts this winter, the International Energy Agency said.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The blackouts haven't happened since.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What rankles even more about 2025 is that, in other late-season swoons, the Mets have at least been tracked down by an adversary.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • That’s partly because prolonged summer swoons have become an annual occurrence under Boone.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The sleeps are short but effective.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The one where my uncle, Amo Jamal, sleeps is on the left.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swims.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swims. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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