Synonyms of swish

swish 1 of 3

noun

1

as in whistle

a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out

the steady swish of the windshield wipers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• whistle
• zip
• fizz
• sizzle
• hiss
• whiz
• swoosh
• whoosh
• whish
• wheeze
• sibilant
• sibilance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flap
• flick
• whisk
• wag
• switch
• flutter
• wave
• twitch
• nod
• waggle
• shake
• swing
• whip
• rock
• wiggle
• sway
• jerk
• oscillation
• jolt
• bob
• snap
• jiggle
• waver

swish

2 of 3

verb

ˈswish 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hiss
• bubble
• whistle
• fizzle
• sizzle
• fizz
• whiz
• swoosh
• whish
• wheeze
• whoosh
• zip
• effervesce
• buzz
• hum
• drone

2

as in to flick

to move from side to side or up and down with quick jerky motions

the horse's tail swishes after every jump

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flick
• flap
• swing
• switch
• wag
• twitch
• bob
• waggle
• sway
• flutter
• shake
• wave
• jerk
• whip
• lash
• oscillate
• rock
• flail
• wiggle
• flicker
• waver
• nod
• flop
• jolt
• jog
• beat
• jiggle
• jig
• joggle

swish

3 of 3

adjective

as in stylish

being in the latest or current fashion

a trendy boutique filled with swish accessories for the urban fashionista

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stylish
• fashionable
• happening
• chic
• elegant
• exclusive
• hip
• trendy
• fresh
• modish
• voguish
• smart
• swell
• cool
• snappy
• graceful
• supercool
• sophisticated
• in
• sharp
• haute
• handsome
• posh
• funky
• swank
• dashing
• au courant
• spiffy
• classy
• kicky
• sassy
• downtown
• rakish
• à la mode
• ritzy
• dapper
• natty
• saucy
• flossy
• edgy
• dressy
• tasteful
• flashy
• spruce
• chichi
• majestic
• understated
• stately
• soigné
• refined
• doggy
• nobby
• gallant
• foppish
• dandyish
• doggish
• ultrachic
• ultrahip
• ultracool
• dudish
• ultrasophisticated
• ultrasmart
• ultraposh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• out
• unfashionable
• outmoded
• tacky
• dowdy
• unbecoming
• uncool
• unattractive
• cheesy
• inelegant
• unstylish
• trashy
• sloppy
• unchic
• tasteless
• messy
• untidy
• unkempt
• graceless
• slovenly
• unmodish
• wrinkled
• styleless
• shabby
• rumpled
• disheveled
• frowsy
• unhandsome
• sleazy
• mussy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of swish

Noun

Wipe toothpaste splatters from the mirror, run a cloth over the counters, and give the toilet bowl a quick swish. — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026

When Enskat moves, sound designer Torben Kärst follows each rigorous swish of her cane and each brutal, balletic step (clop-CLOP, clop-CLOP). — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Verb

Squirt some disinfectant into the bowl and swish it around with the toilet brush, then flush. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026

Waiters swished past with little pots of lemon sorbet and glasses of Sprankel, a sparkling wine from Babylonstoren, Roos and Bekker’s farm and hotel in South Africa’s Franschhoek wine valley. — Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026

Adjective

Thankfully, the silhouette is the epitome of trendy, offering a versatile design that includes a side swish, contrasting textiles, and bold colors. — Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Biarritz was once the residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, who helped convert Europe’s calm seaside city into a swish summer retreat for royalty. — Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026