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

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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
The labels for the Walnut Fudge and Peach Cobbler bonbons are switched in the printed guide, providing inaccurate information to consumers. Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 If Ramaswamy is the nominee, his supporters worry less that Republicans will switch sides and vote for a Democrat than about the factors that could depress conservative turnout. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
Smart switches, automated zones, and apps can ensure that homeowners can schedule lights to dim or turn off, rather than relying on memory. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026 Factors driving up gas prices in Idaho include ongoing conflicts in the Middle East as well as stations’ annual switch to summer-blend fuel. Hali Smith april 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • Also claims its e-bikes can do it all by swapping out a few key components and pressing a button, so the bike behaves differently depending on the day’s needs.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • The teams also swapped 2024 seventh-round picks, and the Chiefs sent their selection to the Bills in a trade used to draft wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Havertz turned and flicked it to Eze at the edge of the area, who curled home a spectacular finish.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Minutes into the execution, the team warden briefly flicked Hitchcock‘s face and yelled his name twice and shook his shoulders.
    Jeffrey Collins, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • To add order, cabinets hide toys, there’s a small desk for homework, and East London Cloth café curtains filter the light.
    Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
  • The Harrison County Health Department notes dark clothing resembles the shadows mosquitoes hide in.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Computer costs had steadily declined over the past 40 years until the AI boom reversed that trend.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Through some creative circuitry, chip-scale EPR reverses this setup—using a simple magnet to create an unchanging field and sweeping through a band of oscillation frequencies.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Maximilien, a French national, allegedly uploaded a clip of himself licking a straw from an iJooz vending machine before putting it back in the dispenser.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
  • There’s Cassie licking a melting ice cream cone as the ice cream drips down her bare chest.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That was always the pinnacle achievement of what one man’s wits and a whip could do.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Willow whips, vines and shorter branches will not be picked up during brush collection.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Anyway, while Zack is having his flap attack, Lala, Michelle, and Janet are doing Pilates, and Janet is trying to figure out just who in the group is talking to her.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Go hands-free in this cargo skirt, which has pockets with both foldover flaps and zippers to safely store your daily essentials.
    Michelle Rostamian, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Colorado House and Senate have entered the final two weeks of the 2026 legislative session, and both chambers were set Friday for lengthy floor votes on several hefty bills, including legislation dealing with credit card swipe fees, state labor laws and other issues.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
  • Two non-acetone solvents (propylene carbonate and methyl soyate) in the alcohol-free formula quickly break up color, shimmer, and chunky glitter with each swipe.
    Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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