Thesaurus results for SLING

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sling 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of sling next

as in to hang

to place on an elevated point without support from below sling a hammock between the trees

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sling

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈsliŋ

as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm slinging stones at the fence post

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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

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 sling

Verb

Actual Ad The ad Cambridge sent shows what appears to be a father and son on a hunt, wearing matching camouflage jackets with rifles slung over their left shoulders. —

Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 27 Feb. 2025 Bongino's calling card has always been theatrical, over-the-top nastiness, slinging insults at his opponents while making hysterical proclamations about the threat that Democrats pose to the country. —

Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 But slinging steaks out of a trailer hadn’t fostered the community Mr. Teti had hoped for. —

Ali Watkins, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025 The chain will start slinging burgers at 9:30 a.m. at 888 S. Lake Drive. —

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sling

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slimy

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“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Last Updated: 21 Mar 2025 - Updated example sentences

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