swims 1 of 2

Definition of swimsnext
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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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
The Bionic Arowana swims around its enclosure autonomously by default, and it can also be steered by wireless remote control – although the latter would only work at quite a shallow depth. New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026 Meatloaf now swims in the aquarium’s sea turtle rehabilitation area, which opened in January. Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 The reigning Tri-Valley League MVP swims at Kingfish Swimming club. Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026 When Blub swims in a particular direction, the camera detects the movement and sends the vehicle rolling that same way. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026 Julia Phillips followed, soon after, with Bear, a novel about two sisters, caring for their dying mother, and their sudden, contrasting relationships with a lone male grizzly bear that swims ashore their island, off the Oregon coast. Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026 Isabelle hops, arms splayed upward, hits the water, and swims to Mom. Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026 In this image made from video and released by the University of Western Australia, a sleeper shark swims into the spotlight of a video camera in Antarctica in January 2025. CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026 While the Louisville area is home to dozens of establishments serving a similar item, George said his version swims to the top in part because of large portion sizes. Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
Harry Styles takes outdoor swims for mental clarity. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026 Drive out of the city limits for world-class barbecue, quintessential small-town main streets, and refreshing summer swims. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 The pool-scape is the most quintessentially Palm Springs area of the home, lined with loungers under the meringue yellow umbrellas and encompassing a hot tub that lights up for night-time swims. Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026 The best pairs strike a balance between performance and design, equally suited to keep you dry after spontaneous swims while also providing the right support. Lara Kramer, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 Steven Spielberg's 1975 hit, in which a great white swims into the beach town of Amity and starts snacking on tourists, launched the blockbuster era of modern cinema. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026 There are seven bars scattered across the ship for grazing between swims, and five restaurants, with no buffet in sight. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 This will help preserve its elasticity and keep it in good shape for many swims to come. Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026 Summer offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving in quiet coves that warm up just enough for long swims; by afternoon, boaters drift to the outer rocks. Ted Alvarez, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swims
Verb
  • The arrests of nine people on the bridge — along with two rally organizers a couple days earlier — capped a two-month operation to track down dirt bike and ATV riders suspected of traveling in packs for sideshows and spins across the Bay Area, said Oakland police Chief Jim Beere.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
  • From May to November, Saturday Night Lights brings show jumping under the lights, with knock-out rounds, live music, and a family-friendly carnival atmosphere of pony rides, hobby horsing, face painting, and carousel spins.
    Belinda Luksic, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Average annual income hovers around $58,000, reflecting a shortage of high-wage opportunities.
    Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Towing capacity hovers around 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg), depending on configuration.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Known as Wingspan, the 6,150-square-foot residence takes its name from the parabolic roofline that floats above the structure like an airplane wing.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • Hathaway’s White Queen floats with sweet highs and dark lows, her heavenly air masking a morbid psychosis.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Sooner or later, every ship sails off into the sunset.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026
  • The boat sails from Genoa in complete darkness, a precaution against air raids.
    Marcy Thompson, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The latter, of course, gives better info, and the former gives fleeting metaphors and nearly faints from embarrassment.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.
    John Biggs, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Rolling digital blackouts in Russian cities have touched a nerve with ordinary citizens and public pushback against Russian President Vladimir Putin is emerging.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, the city has endured a brief Russian occupation during Moscow’s failed push to seize the Ukrainian capital in early days of the war, as well as harsh winters — especially the last one, when blackouts forced some residents to cook meals over open fires in the streets.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a segment of the audience that practically swoons when good news befalls some of the cast at the end of the play.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Sitting at a baby grand piano, Mars prompted swoons with his delivery of the lyrics, his pure voice holding notes with the same muscularity as early in the show.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During warmer climates and seasons, Asker suggests washing linen pillowcases every three to four sleeps, too.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026
  • There are just 31 sleeps until the 91st annual NFL player selection meeting.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swims.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swims. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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