sling 1 of 2

sling

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verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sling distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sling are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, throw, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When is cast a more appropriate choice than sling?

The synonyms cast and sling are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When might fling be a better fit than sling?

While in some cases nearly identical to sling, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When would hurl be a good substitute for sling?

Although the words hurl and sling have much in common, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

Where would pitch be a reasonable alternative to sling?

While the synonyms pitch and sling are close in meaning, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can throw be used instead of sling?

The words throw and sling are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm.

can throw a fastball and a curve

When could toss be used to replace sling?

The meanings of toss and sling largely overlap; however, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

Examples 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 sling
Verb
Perhaps the stars get randomly slung in the direction of the black holes from elsewhere in the galaxy through interactions with other stars. Quanta Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 By curtain call, tears streamed from Ferguson’s face, and fellow Broadway alum, like Andrew Barth Feldman, nearly slung themselves from the mezzanine loge. Michael Appler, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024 From the high rack, Moyer selects various sounds — a crippled jaybird, a fox in distress — from the remote control slung around his neck. Britta Lokting, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2024 In a clip shared to Instagram, Kravitz is seen walking toward the camera in jeans and a leather jacket, an instantly recognizable massive knit scarf slung around his neck. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sling 

Thesaurus Entries Near sling

Cite this Entry

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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