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
But the winner of that primary won’t face Green, because Green switched to running in the new 18th Congressional District. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026 But without the push-pull of switching between Grace and Leon, the game starts to drag like an overly long action movie. Jay Peters, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
As for episode 2, Fogelman says fans can expect another switch-up of sorts. Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026 The fan has six speeds and switches from downdraft to updraft with the remote controller. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • Style it with sneakers and a crossbody bag for long travel days, or swap in sandals and sunnies when temperatures rise.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Superior rooms are furnished in cherry wood, while premium rooms swap in lighter sycamore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The name Dekopin in Japanese refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
  • In Japanese, the word refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This beloved Italian restaurant is hiding in a Homewood neighborhood.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Abdul Hadi spent his days hiding in hovels in distant parts of Syria, turning his mind obsessively over the old days of revolution, over fleeting encounters and terrible choices.
    Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The move effectively shut down El Paso airport, but was reversed after about eight hours.
    Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • As adroit Mercury starts reversing through your contemplative 12th house, its retrograde invites you to press pause on the cosmic movie in favor of reviewing what’s already happened.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Legend has it that when Buddha was painting the sky, blue pigment dripped onto the floor and his inquisitive chow chow licked the puddle, coloring the dog’s tongue permanently.
    Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Son disappeared from public view, licking his wounds while also plotting his comeback.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Riders who might like more oomph aboard Galacticoaster should finagle seats on the back row, which experiences a touch more whip action.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The mixer comes with a flat beater, dough hook, wire whip, pouring shield, and a 5-quart bowl that can go right into the dishwasher.
    Brittany VanDerBill, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The frenulum is the thin flap of skin that connects your lip to your gum.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The frenulum is the thin flap of skin that connects the lip to the gum.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Tolu Coker opened London Fashion Week with a swipe, sending models down the runway with smoky-grey powdered lids.
    Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The film reflected contemporary fears about our dependence on technology and the power of an algorithm to decide the fate of millions of people at a swipe on a touchscreen.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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