swish 1 of 3

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
Swish swish sounds like it is written by 8 yr old kid or Donald Trump. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 May 2017 In a hurricane, those waves can come in quick, short bursts as powerful thunderstorms around the storm’s eye wall swish air up and down like a plunger in a toilet bowl. Jenny Staletovich, miamiherald, 17 May 2017
Verb
This will swish the eye wash in and around your eye, thoroughly cleaning it of any debris. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025 At one point, Golden State held a 17-point lead after a Kate Martin swished a 3 from the top of the key. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
Guests get to enjoy not one, but two different restaurant cars and two lounges, plus a swish private club, each designed to have their own character and specific ambience. Marianna Cerini, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2023 Co-produced by Spain’s RTVE and TV3 with Sweden’s SVT, Germany’s NDR and Finland’s YLE, the eight-part comedy is set in a swish upper middle-class community in the placid hills outside Barcelona. Liza Foreman, Variety, 18 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for swish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish
Noun
  • Before the referee had even dropped the whistle from his mouth, Erling Haaland galloped onto the pitch with a coach clearly tasked with readying him to replace Omar Marmoush at the break.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • These included animal bone pendants, a potential whistle made from a snail shell, and human remains.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Underneath the slab of ribs is a flap of meat called the skirt, which is also trimmed off.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 July 2025
  • The soft style — shaped as a croissant with a rounded handle and signature secret pockets under the flap to hold essentials, such as lipstick, sunglasses, cash and a smartphone — made a return for fall 2025 as part of the collection that marked the Roman fashion house’s centennial this year.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Tinnitus causes persistent sounds such as ringing, hissing, buzzing or whooshing in the ears.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
  • Despite the protective parents hissing, Henry persisted and was ultimately able to guide the goslings toward a safer way out.
    Seth Carnell, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The sky burns orange, the neon-red open sign flicks off, and the Dream Bean goes dark.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • Screenshots from a June 16 TikTok video of a black cat attempting to wake up owner by flicking on the lights.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The post included an adorable shot of Baby Boy looking straight at the camera while showing off a stylish Louis Vuitton leash, as well as a video of the little dude snuggled up on Snoop’s lap and chewing on the rapper’s Death Row jacket.
    Anna Chan, Billboard, 7 July 2025
  • Combining sophisticated calf leather with the brand’s signature canvas, the bag is effortlessly stylish and functional.
    Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Compared to a fork or whisk, this method yields a superlatively smooth mixture (no separated whites and yolks) and fluffy end result.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2025
  • The dough hook, breaker bar, paddle attachment, and whisk are all extremely heavy-duty, and the machine contains an exceptionally strong motor, along with a timer function and a wide range of speed settings.
    SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Anyone hankering for a Beaver Nugget break on their travels can swing by the new spot, which is located right off I-81 in Rockingham County.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
  • Jessica Alba and her 17-year-old daughter Honor swung by Wimbledon on their way back from Venice, Italy, where the pair attended the Bezos-Sánchez wedding.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The couple was spotted attending the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on June 27 and wore a pair of fashionable ensembles for the event.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • These high-waist yoga leggings with contrast trim feature a contrast trim for a fashionable touch.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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