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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Last year, the Missouri General Assembly passed a law requiring districts in bigger cities to put that question before all voters instead of getting to make the decision to switch to a four-day school week on their own. Ilana Arougheti updated October 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025 However, in today’s environment, the Russian thermal power industry is faced with the need to switch to different types of coal, each with a different ash content and calorific value. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
Although the video began in black-and-white, when Alaina and Moeller pull the poppers, the video switches to color and reveals that the backdrop behind them features pink and blue flowers. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025 Because of the switch in Jackson’s practice status after the fact, some questioned if the team was trying to get away with something shady. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • The former official, who has direct knowledge of the changes and spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information that was not intended for public release, said on top of the 12 reassignments, leaders in another four cities were being swapped out through retirements or other circumstances.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Same goes for the team store — the one facing Mint Street in Uptown — as well as the nine other stores in the stadium that have to swap out its Carolina Panthers gear with its Charlotte FC gear.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 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
  • Hanlon wasn’t trying to hide his glee.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Curious what top dollar items could be hiding in your grandma's house?
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 2 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
  • This can be easily done with a light mist of cooking spray, or by using a swipe of oil or coconut oil.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Consumers should also try to limit tap-to-pay usage in crowded or high-risk environments and instead use chip or swipe methods.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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