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
In a video posted last week, Cooper’s camera caught the swish of rags and the hum of voices as a few of her family members and friends worked to get the shop ready for its grand opening. Evan Moore august 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025 That goes especially for star Johnny Depp, whose Captain Jack Sparrow remains an unchanging and buffoonish blend of swash and swish. Robert W. Butler, kansascity.com, 24 May 2017
Verb
Users can also operate the gimbal's motor manually via its joystick control, or simply swish the whole rig back and forth/up and down by hand. New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2025 The Rockets have already started releasing videos of Şengün running pick-and-rolls as the ballhandler and swishing 3-pointers during the first few days of training camp. William Guillory, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Elsewhere on this level is a swish office with a skylight and a plush lounge. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 June 2025 The blend of citrus, peach blossom, lemon, amber, and verbena doesn’t just smell like a swish salon— it was concocted with ingredients that boost the efficacy of the product. Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for swish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish
Noun
  • The 2000s Sacramento Kings star guard looks fit enough to curl off a screen and coolly drop in an 18-footer jumper in front of a frenzied home playoff crowd, but Bibby does his basketball work now with a whistle.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Arne Slot’s name boomed around Anfield just before the final whistle.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The jacket features pocket flaps shaped like Levi’s iconic arcuate, Trucker-style cuffs and waistband, and a back-cinch characteristic of Levi’s archival denim.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The strapless leather dress featured details similar to those of a classic leather jacket — complete with metallic silver zipper detailing, flap pockets and more.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some hissing or growling is normal, but separate them if aggression escalates.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • My pal was in deep slumber, breathed through this kind of hissing accordion.
    Sam Lipsyte, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Think Judd Apatow flicks with Steve Carell and Seth Rogen, or sitcoms starring Charlie Sheen.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Freddie Freeman won an eight-pitch tussle with Gausman by flicking a two-out double into the right-field corner.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gift it to fellow schleppers who want to stay stylish.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Because the growth in running is also bringing higher taste levels, New Balance intentionally sought out to deliver something more stylish.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The drawstring bucket bag can be worn as either a shoulder bag or a crossbody, and comes with a small, removable zip pouch that can hold credit cards or cash without getting lost inside your bag.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Go with icebreaker’s 300 MerinoFine™ half-zip thermal top and leggings—featuring the softest, finest, and heaviest weight fabric, made with ultrafine merino wool fibers that deliver a luxuriously soft feel and keep you warm in the cold New England mornings.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Remove from heat, and whisk in butter until melted and combined.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • In a medium bowl whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and 6 Tbsp.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The election will be a test of whether Mamdani, and his focus on lowering the cost of living, can bring back nonwhite voters who swung to the right.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
  • When the Ferris wheel goes, the cars are supposed to swing with it, but it got stuck.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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