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
As California’s water crisis worsened, recalling the constant swish of sprinklers throughout her childhood piqued her interest in native plants. Brittany Levine Beckman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 With one swish of her hair, Thompson reminded us that beauty doesn’t always require bells and whistles. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Kansas Jayhawks freshman men’s basketball sensation Darryn Peterson swished his sixth 3-pointer of the game, one that stretched a rapidly dwindling KU lead to 13 points. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026 Midway through the second quarter Tuesday night, Southlake Carroll junior guard Whitney Jense blocked Mansfield Legacy star Madison Crawford on one end and came down on offense and swished a 3-pointer. Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Add a small amount of a gentle liquid detergent recommended for hand-washing delicate items, such as Woolite, and swish to disperse through the water. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026 When Barca hosted Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League group stages in September, Laporta and his counterpart Nasser Al-Khelaifi happily posed together for the cameras before lunch at the Catalan capital’s swish Via Veneto restaurant. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish
Noun
  • But between matches, before kickoff or after the final whistle, even the most hardcore supporters need a place to relax, stretch their legs and experience something beyond the stadium gates.
    Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Nuno, a former goalkeeper himself, hugged the Denmark international closely following the final whistle, then first-team coach Mark Robson and goalkeeping coach Billy Lepine did so too.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Linking these rooms is a massive sunken living room that, when the flaps are open, bleeds seamlessly into the deck with its deep couches and plunge pool.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The Andessa hits at the middle of the thigh and has a flap that covers your bum—perfect for sitting on a near-frozen chairlift.
    Outside, Outside, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In Whale’s picture, the bride doesn’t talk — only screams or hisses like an irritated cat — and is brought to life 5 minutes before the credits roll.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Rising from the center of the bay is a Star Wars-style cockpit, neon-lit and hissing as the door opens to reveal a dashboard equipped with self-flying software.
    Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • From the opening kick-off, Dewsbury-Hall had flicked the ball up and volleyed it high downfield, forcing Burnley defender Joe Worrall into an early clearance.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Carranza flicked on a header for an assist Jason Jason Moreno chipped the goalkeeper to finish the play.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • A little lighting can also go a long way toward adding ambience and safety after dark, from a stylish wall lantern (now 87% off) to shatterproof LED string lights that don’t require a plug-in.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026
  • But after reopening with a stylish, colorful new interior, Calle 75 shuttered its dining room weeks later and restricted public access to the takeout window.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For his part, Styles wore a navy Prada zip-up jacket with straight-leg jeans, Adidas Sambas sneakers (his go-to recently), and a white pair of clout goggle shades.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
  • However, there are golf buggies to zip guests around with ease.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Teddy bears and textbooks, camping gear stacked against her husband’s drum kit, a jumble of whisks and frying pans catching the morning sun.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Add sour cream mixture to skillet and whisk until incorporated.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Malkin turned around and swung his stick at Dahlin, hitting him in the neck and side of the head.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Experts think home prices are likely to remain sticky heading into spring and that mortgage rates might not swing much below 6%.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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