swish 1 of 3

Definition of swishnext
1
as in whistle
a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the steady swish of the windshield wipers

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2
as in flap
a quick jerky movement from side to side or up and down the mare brushed away the flies with a sweeping swish of her tail

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swish

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to hiss
to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ with their satin costumes swishing, the little ballerinas chasséd onto the stage

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2

swish

3 of 3

adjective

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 swish
Noun
Tenette drove the lane, Simmons collapsed, Tenette kicked to Haupt on the left wing … swish. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 Give the bowl a quick swish with some vinegar and a toilet brush, then flush. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
With Duke playing keep-away to prevent the Huskies from fouling, Cayden Boozer’s pass near midcourt was deflected by Demary, and after UConn came up with the ball, Mullins swished a 3 from 35 feet away. Noah Trister, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026 Six times his arcing shot swished through the net. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Russell let the rest of Taylor-Joy's long hair fall in loose, barely there waves, with most of the curl concentrated just at the ends for movement and swish factor. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026 What's more, the city has a swish new hotel catering to travelers who are here for pleasure more than business. Diana Hubbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish
Noun
  • After Party Modelo After Party Festivities aren’t over after the final whistle!
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In the process, Nicole unintentionally unleashes a terrifyingly malign spirit who lures victims to their deaths with a haunting whistle.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The pouch—or marsupium, from which the group takes its name—is a flap of skin covering the nipples.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • An acolyte of Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel, Jenner swapped her litany of unbranded bags for a burgundy maxi flap bag from the designer’s spring 2026 debut.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The site, which bubbled and hissed for decades, is still called the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Then there's hissing through the air vents.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • England needed a set piece to score when Cole Palmer’s corner was flicked on at the near post and White rolled the ball over the line.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • In overtime, Fillier received a centering pass from Maja Nylén Persson and flicked it over the glove of Maddie Rooney for her seventh goal in the last six games.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Diaper cakes may not sound sophisticated, but there are several stylish options that make great centerpieces.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Faux vintage and synthetic materials are also no longer stylish.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Waldron has gained modest but helpful zip.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Today, the City of David is a national park, complete with a zip-line.
    Seth Doane, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, salt and cream of tartar on medium speed until frothy, about 1 minute.
    Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
  • So the San Francisco Bay Area resident went back to a family recipe and decided to take a risk, with a whisk.
    Itay Hod, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The three Americans and one Canadian will swing around the moon in their Orion capsule, hang a U-turn and then head straight back home without stopping.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • This fuel burn sets Orion on a path around the moon called a free return trajectory, which essentially means the spacecraft will enter the moon’s gravitational influence (but won’t orbit our natural satellite) and will swing around its far side.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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