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
as in to hide
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
switched the stagecoach horses to control the direction they took
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
the loose rigging switched the mast during the storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in whip
a long thin or flexible tool for striking
struck the horse's hide with a leather switch, and it took off at a gallop
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in swipe
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
in frustration, he gave the mule a sharp switch on the rump, but it still wouldn't budge
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
That means companies can switch materials without buying new equipment.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Shameika Rhymes, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
One explanation Al-Jaber cited for the switch is AI data centers, which have become Big Oil’s go-to justification for a rapid buildout of new fossil infrastructure.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for switch
Verb
Since their retirement, the couple have switched to a Modelo beer at lunch rather than an after-work martini, according to LongeviQuest.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
That means companies can switch materials without buying new equipment.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
On December 1, the tree lighting ceremony at McAdenville Lake features a giant switch to illuminate the main tree, with local schoolchildren competing for the honor of flipping the switch.
—Shameika Rhymes, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
One explanation Al-Jaber cited for the switch is AI data centers, which have become Big Oil’s go-to justification for a rapid buildout of new fossil infrastructure.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
-
The shop has taken the 2026 edition of Chevrolet’s best-selling truck, boosted its output to 1,000 hp, and swapped out its automatic gearbox for a manual.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
11 Nov. 2025
-
This year, the list switched to a cheaper Jennie-O turkey from Butterball, swapped pie crusts and shaved a few cents off carrots, potatoes, and onions.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of slamming it home, Antetokounmpo soared over the defenders to make an improbable catch, landed and flicked an on-target pass to Rollins for a corner 3 before falling out of bounds to give Milwaukee a 14-point lead.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
After initially suspecting a bullet or debris flicked up by a truck, the police ruled out both.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn't work.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Oscar’s grouchy shell hides a strangely tender soul, which is classic Scorpio.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
It’s handcrafted from 100% cotton and reverses to a coordinating pattern on a blue background.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The protests became tense when Coast Guard officials fired multiple shots at a U-Haul truck, whose driver allegedly attempted to reverse onto the barricaded bridge to the island, striking the driver and another bystander.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The sketch concluded with the librarian licking Moynihan's face with a forked tongue and then unbuttoning her blouse — causing all of the boys' heads to explode.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The first is Christopher Walken as Gabriel, a mean-spirited angel who sniffs and licks crime scenes and inspects children’s teeth for reasons that sort of make sense within the movie.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Reservations cost $95 for a two-hour visit, which includes a shot, two drinks, Dole whip and immersive character interactions.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Garcia has represented Illinois’s 4th Congressional District since 2019 and serves as deputy whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Days after he was elected in September, his to-do list got even longer when the Jimmy Kimmel-ABC crisis erupted, followed by the arrival of AI ingenue Tilly Norwood and the Sora 2 flap involving Bryan Cranston.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Then use your right hand to pull that corner up and over the box, allowing the excess paper to fold and crease under the flap.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Simons was the offending party on Bane’s swipe, and he was beaten for an and-one dunk in transition shortly thereafter.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Villaraigosa has not been afraid to take swipes at other Democrats in the gubernatorial primary.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share