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
Their play is a symphony of cheers and swishes, conversation and laughter, dribbling balls and rattling rims. Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026 And following every swish, the Rockets crowd broke from tradition and applauded the visiting guard. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
Stephen Curry swished a 3-pointer on his second shot from deep and raised his arms in delight when the ball went through. CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 Karaban swished his first and only 3-pointer of the night. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 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
  • Many of the league’s best players, in every major pro sports league, get a free pass more than others and a favorable whistle.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • Paige Ostroushko continued to follow her, blowing a whistle in her ear and pushing her, the lawsuit said.
    Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Stylish yet functional, the pants are designed with front pleats, belt loops, and side flap pockets similar to Oprah’s pair.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
  • Anyway, while Zack is having his flap attack, Lala, Michelle, and Janet are doing Pilates, and Janet is trying to figure out just who in the group is talking to her.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gaga hisses to her hair and makeup team after Priestly swans away.
    Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
  • Mature geese have kept a close eye on the eggs, occasionally honking and hissing at those who have approached.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The dragons stalk the island, flicking their huge tongues in hopes of picking up the scent of a deer, wild boar, or water buffalo — the latter two species introduced by humans — or rodents and other smaller reptiles, including baby Komodo dragons.
    Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
  • On the rush, Keller controlled the loose puck just inside the left circle and flicked a shot off the back post into the net.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • And yet, here comes along Björk, not just cutting a stylish figure in the ensemble on a red carpet, but basically raving in it.
    Max Berlinger, Vogue, 8 May 2026
  • Modern Vienna is a thriving metropolis with a stylish centre.
    Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Her piece is a simple lycra zip-up unitard, adorned with tennis ball pockets on either thigh.
    Kaio Cesar, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
  • The ribbed leggings and zip-up jacket combo feels streamlined while the fabric has enough stretch to stay comfortable all day.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Add the baking powder and salt and whisk to combine.
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 9 May 2026
  • Stir or whisk in the dry ingredients, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure no dry streaks of flour remain.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The Blue Jays swung at just 18% of Detmers’ pitches that were out of the zone.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
  • Extra servos in the shoulders let the arms swing widely, while the leg joints allow crouching and shifting positions.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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