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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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
Mullins launched a shot from 35 feet and … swish. Tim Rohan, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026 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
Verb
The life-size robotic elephants in Prasanth Prakashan's backyard workshop have ears that flap, tails that swish and trunks that squirt water. ABC News, 3 July 2026 This was supposed to be magic, swished in from waaaaay downtown. Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
There was more intrigue at the annual UTA, Curtis Brown And C&W at the Bo Tree Hotel’s swish Lavo, where new Channel 4 boss Priya Dogra was spotted chewing the fat with UTA top brass, including Curtis Brown CEO Jonny Geller. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026 The Vale can be combined with a stay at Silverstone’s swish Escapade hotel or in a luxury yurt on the inner track. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish
Noun
  • Before Park attempted her free throw, a referee blew her whistle to stop play.
    Zach Powell, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The whistle was blown for a lightning delay with only two minutes left in the second half.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This version has a removable belt for a customizable fit, a storm flap and back vent for breathability, and multiple pockets for keeping essentials close by.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The best testing locations include the underside of the base, the inside of a flap, the back of a strap, and a low section near a seam.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But delivering that level of craft in a high-octane room where the hissing espresso machine competes with the bassline?
    Carly Boers, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • And in 2022, Japanese researchers turned a Madagascar hissing cockroach into a cyborg for search-and-rescue missions using a similar, though more sophisticated, approach.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Near the left corner of the 6-yard box, Pereyra turned and flicked a shot inside the back post.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Playing with the Chromatic is as simple as inserting a cartridge and flicking the power switch.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • His stylish and souvenir models run up to 20 euros ($24) while the cheapest costs 6 euros.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Amazon’s fashion hub is home to a stylish selection of wrinkle-resistant travel pants for under $40.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors said Asora had Hansen zip-tie MacNeil’s hands before Hansen was restrained.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • There's also a zip pocket for ID cards and other essentials, altogether making this a great option for both kids and adults on-the-go.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In a medium bowl whisk together next seven ingredients (through vanilla).
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Niacinamide lends additional barrier support, while mild exfoliating ingredients like phytic acid whisk away excess oil and buildup that can leave the scalp feeling itchy or uncomfortable.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Prices of the precious commodity have swung dramatically from one season to the next, particularly as issues such as climate change, water scarcity and pest and disease pressures persist.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The club opted against a lengthy pre-season trip to North America, Oceania, or East Asia, preferring a smaller-scale tour in which the squad swung back to the Carrington training ground after playing across a host of European cities.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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