switch 1 of 2

1
as in to swap
to give up (something) and take something else in return switched the real grapes for fake ones switched the day of his flight from Thursday to Friday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to flick
to move from side to side or up and down with quick jerky motions cows lazily switching their tails and chewing their cud

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in to reverse
to change (as an opinion) to the contrary a politician who has switched his position on a number of issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5

switch

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in flick
a quick jerky movement from side to side or up and down that telltale switch of the cat's tail meant there was a mouse under the piano

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 switch
Verb
Since their retirement, the couple have switched to a Modelo beer at lunch rather than an after-work martini, according to LongeviQuest. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025 That means companies can switch materials without buying new equipment. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
On December 1, the tree lighting ceremony at McAdenville Lake features a giant switch to illuminate the main tree, with local schoolchildren competing for the honor of flipping the switch. Shameika Rhymes, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025 One explanation Al-Jaber cited for the switch is AI data centers, which have become Big Oil’s go-to justification for a rapid buildout of new fossil infrastructure. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • For a spirit-free alternative, swap in a N/A rum or whiskey, or add a dash of almond, rum, or vanilla extract instead.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Desiree swapped her Amazon hooks for the Glenn Towel Bar from Ethnik Living after one of her bath sheets pulled a hook clean off the wall.
    Jasmine Desiree, Architectural Digest, 31 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
Verb
  • But this book gave me nowhere to hide.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The logistics of coordinating international travel, visas, and hotel accommodations for a secret guest are far more complex than hiding someone domestically.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Democrats argue legislation to reopen the government should also extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Republicans’ Medicaid cuts passed over the summer.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But, after that, progress appears to stall, then reverse itself.
    Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Collins is no doubt licking his chops studying tape of another Patriots rookie, left guard Jared Wilson, who allowed two sacks last weekend.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Soon, orange-red flames began to lick the wall and the roof’s open eaves.
    Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Safety Nick Scott was able to recover the ball in the red zone and whip a scoring opportunity off the Packers’ plate.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Starting November 4 at participating Whataburger locations, customers can enjoy the new Frosted Berry Whatafresher, a frosty drink blend featuring sweet blackberry flavor, including real blueberry bursties, and a cloud of cold whip.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 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
Noun
  • Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Credit card swipes, corporate calendar items, and photos snapped on a phone of receipts can all go straight into AI analysis.
    Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on switch

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!