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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The video of serene waves that swished behind the curved stage at the start of Dua Lipa’s concert slowly intensified until the tide became a surge, an appropriate analogy for the pop superstar’s arrival in the US for the first time in more than three years. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 But just as Indiana was on the verge of cutting the lead to a single possession, Powers fouled Clark’s former Iowa teammate Kate Martin on a 3-pointer right in front of Indiana’s bench and the second-year guard swished the shot to erupt the Chase Center crowd. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 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
  • After the final whistle, the main source of frustration for the Forest hierarchy was the performance of the match officials.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Christmas, whistle notes, and not knowing Jennifer Lopez … Mariah Carey’s brand is nothing if not consistent.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Set within the magical world of Harry Potter, this interactive book features two detachable plush characters, a peek-a-boo flap, textured pages, and other sensory elements for baby’s enjoyment.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • And new for the season, the brand presented a family of grainy leather and lightweight suede flap bags — in small and mini styles and sizes — with the signature H fastener.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Splinter after splinter flopping onto the stone threshold, tsss, tsss, hissing like a nest of vipers.
    Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Contractors working on a sewer project on the 4600 block of 10th Avenue at Stockton Boulevard reported hearing a hissing sound coming from a 2-inch gas line, according to authorities.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the Taliban, the episode possibly carries the lesson that attempting to turn back time on a population that’s grown up with the internet is much harder than just flicking a switch.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Replays suggested that Woltemade had flicked the ball in.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2019, Scio refashioned the 48-room property, which includes a centuries-old, unfinished watchtower, into a stylish resort with modern sensibilities.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The look is just one of the latest stylish outfits that Jenner has sported on Instagram.
    Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While cookie cools, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream in a small bowl until smooth.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Using a potato masher or whisk, mash bananas into small pieces, and incorporate into mixture.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The officer swung his undercover truck around, radioing his team to converge on a man who was depositing a $50 bill into the machine.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Before the King can swing his blade, Ji-yeon gets in his way.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The always fashionable affair, thanks to presenting sponsor Gucci, will be chaired once again by Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
  • These Cushionaire clogs are fashionable enough to head outside in, but feel like your at-home everyday slipper.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!