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
Nettles then swished a corner 3 to open overtime, and the Raptors never looked back in a dramatic 79-69 comeback win over Mountain Vista on Thursday at Denver Coliseum. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025 The interview scene — a variety of doors briskly swishing by in the background like in the Monsters Inc. factory — is whimsical and promising. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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 The swish dopp kits, which are filled with the latest skincare products and fragrances, will be provided exclusively to first- and business-class passengers on select routes and long-haul flights. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for swish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish
Noun
  • The Reign and Thorns have been clashing since the league’s first whistle, and even with legends like Megan Rapinoe and Christine Sinclair fading into the rearview mirror, the rivalry is evergreen and was on display Friday night.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The first lady and the president participated in traditional festivities, including blowing whistles, egg rolling, and coloring with children.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Evie Long Bifold Wallet with Chain Keep all your essentials safe in this long wallet, which has a front flap with a snap closure, six credit card slots, and multiple interior pockets.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The front flap pocket is suitable for most large smartphones, while the primary compartment acts as a zippered wallet with space for your cards, cash, and keys.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Quit bugging me with El Paso Zoo The El Paso Zoo in El Paso, Texas is once again naming Madagascar hissing cockroaches after exes.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • This week, Matt Ritchie compared Wembley 2023 to a party balloon that had been inflated for a fortnight; by the day of the game, air was hissing out.
    George Caulkin, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Union carved out a niche in romantic comedies, starring in Two Can Play That Game (2001), Deliver Us from Eva (2003), and Breakin’ All the Rules (2004), in addition to action flicks like Cradle 2 the Grave (2003).
    EW.com, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Bohm took a few steps, then flicked his bat into the air.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Shop more lightweight cardigans inspired by Reese Witherspoon’s stylish top at Amazon below.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Walking on stage for the NFL Draft wasn’t just about putting on a new hat, sporting a stylish suit and being greeted by commissioner Roger Goodell.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Add the vinegar and olive oil and whisk to make the dressing.
    Georgeanne Brennan, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Here is how to add powdered beetroot to your beverages: Begin with a small amount of beetroot powder (e.g., one-half teaspoon), gradually adding more powder as needed. Use a whisk, blender, or fork to ensure your beverage is free of clumps.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The second player swings the ball across the top of the key to the second side.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The former mayor of Salzburg gave the project the go-head in 2024, but now a governmental skirmish has begun after the mayoral office swung from the political right to the left after an election.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-zip Hoodie $118 $89 at Lululemon Lululemon excels at crafting fashionable yet functional activewear, and its uber-popular Scuba Hoodies are a testament to that.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The traditional pillars of education — reading, writing and arithmetic — have not merely been sidelined; they are now regularly diminished as outdated or insufficient in the face of more fashionable trends.
    William P. Yeakel, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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