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

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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
School districts opted to cancel class or switch to virtual learning throughout the eastern U.S. and as far west as Oklahoma, citing dangerously low temperatures and treacherous travel conditions. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 After a silent scene of the rockers floating listlessly in the water, Eastin (and co-director Aaron Hymes) switch up the elements and transport the guys to a desert scene in which the contents of the room are aflame, including Reynolds’ mic stand, as well as the drum kit and Dan Sermon’s guitar. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
The switch to The Twenty Two was made less than 24 hours following the fire at the Chiltern. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025 This means Van Dijk is not forced into potentially awkward passes down the left but can break lines with short passes into central midfielders or hit switches to Salah — see passes two and four on the visual below. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • After that match, Messi swapped jerseys with former Sporting KC striker Alan Pulido.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The baked pasta was swapped for tacos al pastor, and the name changed to San Lucas Pizzeria.
    Luke Fortney, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Upon entering the tasting room, Galloni flicked on the lights with flair.
    Marcia DeSanctis, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2025
  • True, a laser can flick from one target to the next in a fraction of a second, but identifying a weak spot and fixing the beam on it is another matter entirely.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Sen both understood Oberon’s desire to hide a secret and recognized a trace of her South Asian accent.
    Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Alongside Marvel movie veterans Wesley Snipes as Blade and Jennifer Garner as Elektra, Tatum plays Gambit as a hero hiding in The Void, waiting for his chance to strike at the sadistic Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin).
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The quarterly signals could be reversed next week as stocks rallied sharply on Friday.
    Tom Aspray, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Similarly, even if the United States lifts its sprawling set of export controls and asset freezes imposed on Russia since February 2022, its major trading partners will not necessarily reverse their own measures against Moscow.
    Anna Cooban, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The flames licked at the neighborhood’s outskirts, toasting a few leaves at the perimeter, but didn’t damage a single residence in the community.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
  • As Ferrell resumed singing with Johansson, Kardashian and Gasteyer, Wiig proceeded to lick Dooneese’s tiny hands and stroke Johansson’s face, tap on one of Gasteyer’s breasts and pretend to play the drums on Kardashian’s butt.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Using a hand mixer, whip until the mixture is smooth and firm enough to hold its shape, about 5 minutes.
    Janice Feuer Haugen, Saveur, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Wikler, who has the backing of Democratic heavyweights Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, has questioned that whip count and accused Martin of trying to create a false sense of momentum.
    Torey Van Oot, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The washed canvas is a durable fabric, while the outer flap and buckles provide security.
    BestReviews, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Crafted with 100 percent Merino wool, this versatile style combines the structural details of a trench coat, like a storm flap, with the comfort and ease of tie waist robe coats.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, orange peel wax Finish: Available in luminous or natural finishes Shades: 12 How to apply: Ilia keeps matters simple with its multi-stick: swipe, blend, and go.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Plus, every swipe, tap or click comes with valuable transaction-level data, providing businesses with powerful insights to fine-tune their strategies – such as how and when to pay suppliers.
    Forbes, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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