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
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
Neighboring countries have sent boats, spotter planes and rescue personnel, including a contingent of divers from French Guiana as officials prepare to switch from a rescue operation to a recovery one. ABC News, 21 July 2026 Schor finds that when companies switch to a four-day work week, workers report more happiness, better work-life balance, and reduced burnout. Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
Consider Updating Your Plumbing Just like with lighting, switches, and outlets, many kitchen renovators plan on adding or moving plumbing lines for appliances, pot fillers, and more. Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 18 July 2026 But the switch from an anything goes summer sleep schedule to a morning routine that requires waking up at what feels like the crack of dawn to get to school on time doesn’t help matters, either. Parents, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • Things are a bit more complicated with hardware upgrades, as swapping out the physical telematics control unit typically requires a visit to the dealership.
    Michael Harley, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
  • Whereas a proper pull-up requires an overhand grip, swapping to an underhand hold turns the exercise into what less strenuous alternative?
    Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • France trailed 4-0 before Mbappé sparked a comeback attempt, flicking the ball past goalkeeper Dean Henderson in the 48th minute before adding a second with a left-footed finish from about 14 yards in the 66th.
    Mark Hodge, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • Then Williams crossed for Mikel Merino — another substitute — who flicked a header wide.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • By the final week of training, Kerr’s confidence had become impossible to hide.
    George Edwards, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Archer says Joby is hiding its dependence on money and parts from China, while Joby alleges Archer stole its technology through corporate espionage.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Under pressure from the community, the city reversed course, notifying the district on June 25 that the project would be subject to the tree protection ordinance and permits would be required.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • Thirty years later, the state Supreme Court reversed the convictions and three years after that, the state paid them $25 million to settle their wrongful conviction suit.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Grande licked one of them, and fans were immediately outraged by the moment.
    Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 16 July 2026
  • Some of the flames come close to licking the glass, as the wildfire blows across the tracks.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Much more palatable and practical than a brand-new whip, right?
    Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026
  • The Mai Mango is for the fans of tropical drinks, mixing coconut rum, pineapple amaro and amaretto before topping the drink with a coconut-banana whip ($16).
    Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Active cooling flaps adorn the shapely nose, and there’s a jaunty active decklid spoiler.
    Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
  • Jason was hissing fiercely; Gordon, who projects a monastic calm, was trying to reason with the mother while batting her back each time the flap swung open.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Much like credit card rewards, debit card rewards programs were often fueled by swipe fees, or the total charge a business pays whenever a customer makes a purchase using a credit or debit card.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • France’s left-back, on his way from Aston Villa to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, instinctively swivelled and attempted to clear, taking out the incoming Yamal with a swipe through the thigh in the process.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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