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

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
Most European hotels have now switched over to bulk-sized dispensers in order to reduce plastic waste, with many only offering shampoo, body wash, or two-in-one shower gels. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025 One tester reported their daughter needed a bit of help learning how to attach the clothes but quickly got the hang of it and loved switching the outfits. Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
Transparency instead of testing Where the vetoed SB 1047 would have mandated safety testing and kill switches for AI systems, the new law focuses on disclosure. ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2025 Those hitters seemed to flip a switch in September. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • Photographer Marco Bahler shared snaps of Anderson on Instagram rocking a choppy mullet with bangs, her long-time blonde swapped out for copper red.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • There are multiple styles too, like those in which the handles swapped leather for shiny metals, adding a contemporary twist and masterfully pairing with the models’ midi skirts, playful outerwear clad in primary colors, and preppy tailoring.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the Taliban, the episode possibly carries the lesson that attempting to turn back time on a population that’s grown up with the internet is much harder than just flicking a switch.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Replays suggested that Woltemade had flicked the ball in.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And Kirsten Dunst plays Leigh Wainscott, the Charlotte mom Manchester dated while hiding out off Independence Boulevard.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In the trailer, the three men get right to their antics with a broken vase, hiding a dead body, a dynamic SWAT entry, and running in an attempt to escape.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Senate Democrats are using a rare moment of political leverage to demand that the funding bill reverse looming cuts to Medicaid and lapsing Obamacare subsidies.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Democrats are also insisting on reversing cuts to Medicaid that were included the GOP’s signature tax measure earlier this year.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • During a bedtime conversation between Kaz and Caesar, for example, their dog keeps licking Caesar as Kaz tries to have a serious talk with him.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Posted to the account @maisythemarshmallow on September 19, the video shows the dog, named Maisy, lying calmly as the cat snuggles up and licks her face.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The success of the whip team, Boland said, is based on outreach and respect.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The first new record was of a Dahl’s whip snake, or Platyceps najadum, the study said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Set within the magical world of Harry Potter, this interactive book features two detachable plush characters, a peek-a-boo flap, textured pages, and other sensory elements for baby’s enjoyment.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • And new for the season, the brand presented a family of grainy leather and lightweight suede flap bags — in small and mini styles and sizes — with the signature H fastener.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In today’s climate, every swipe of a card increasingly serves as an emotional release.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • In the video announcing his exit from the race, Adams took what could be considered a veiled swipe at the Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, an unapologetic progressive.
    Averi Harper, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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