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
Fill a bowl or sink with water, add a drop of fabric softener, and swish it around. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 The Oregon Zoo’s official TikTok account posted footage of a bear swishing around in a tub filled with ice and water, rolling on his back and kicking his feet before shaking water off. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 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
  • Under the flaps of his jacket there was a small tear in his T-shirt, directly over his left nipple, which protruded like a knot of purple rope.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
  • Just about the most-surprising thing that happened during our ordeal was that the wolves came up to our very tent flap every night in spite of the dreadful weather.
    Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 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
  • Leeds wing-back James Justin was ready to direct a header past Kinsky but Kevin Danso just managed to flick the ball out of his path.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Subtle stripe detailing on both the sweater and pant hems gives this knit set a cohesive, stylish edge—and a pop of color—sans sacrificing comfort.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
  • For wardrobe emergencies, try Roo’s Beach near Newquay, which specializes in stylish beach-to-bar clothing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 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 16 May. 2026.

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