switch 1 of 2

Definition of switchnext
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
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
The machine features solid performance for both work and play, and switching it between laptop and tablet modes couldn't be easier. — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026 Heck, there was even a moment where Brooks shouted out the crew member who was switching out his guitars mid-set. — Rashad Alexander november 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
Still, the number of job openings now exceeds the number of unemployed, a sharp switch from a year ago when there were more people out of work than available jobs. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026 The chiclet keys on the Surface Laptop Ultra use a scissor-switch design with a dampened bottom-out mechanism that offers an exceptionally comfortable typing feel, despite landing softly (not crisply) at the bottom of the keystroke. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • This distinct atmosphere is especially noticeable in the second set when Cooper swaps his trap set for a balafon and Taylor reaches into his piano to pluck the strings.
    — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Unlike Apollo-era spacesuits sized to each astronaut, the EMU was designed to be reused, so its components can be swapped out to fit astronauts of different sizes.
    — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • As the husband watched, Superman finished his cigarette and flicked the gleaming butt away.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Caputo, a former Air Force fighter pilot, flicks the control stick hard left, then right.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In Fallen Leaves Adult pests, larvae, and eggs can all hide out in old and fallen leaves that have dropped off deciduous plants, trees, and dead veggies.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026
  • What starts as a thrilling hustle exposes just how many guns are hiding inside the homes of their seemingly safe community.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The conversion can also be reversed by removing the attachment, returning the mortar round to its original configuration.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But in the 1960s, the expansion started reversing course, according to a study published in the journal Science.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately for us, those tenants have evolved a sticky knack for evading eviction, creating a webbing known as biofilm that prevents them from being easily licked or swallowed away.
    — Mike McRae, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • That’s not exactly chump change, considering Atlanta was still licking its wounds after the Great Depression.
    — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The Verge team in particular was addicted to Gold Zone, which was the whip-around coverage of every medal event.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2026
  • One of the civilians is even seen brandishing a tree branch to use as a whip to try and corral Maggie back onto the other side of the road.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The slim handle resembles Kidman’s top-handle bag, while the minimalist fold-over flap echoes Vergara’s clutch.
    — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The flap magnetically fits over a front-facing peg that holds an indicator LED that glows different colors depending on the case’s battery level.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Cher seems unbothered by Michael Douglas’ recent swipe at her 1988 Academy Award win.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The color-changing formula swipes on clear, then adapts to your skin’s pH to reveal a personalized pink hue.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on switch

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster