fling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of flingnext
1
as in spree
a time or instance of carefree fun most families spend Labor Day weekend having one last summer fling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something take a fling at waterskiing and see how it goes

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in affaire
a brief romantic relationship an ill-advised fling with a coworker

Synonyms & Similar Words

fling

2 of 2

verb

ˈfliŋ How to pronounce fling (audio)
as in to throw
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm flinging rocks into the pond just for the fun of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fling distinct from other similar verbs?

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

flung the ring back in his face

When would cast be a good substitute for fling?

The words cast and fling can be used in similar contexts, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When can hurl be used instead of fling?

Although the words hurl and fling 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 fling?

The meanings of pitch and fling largely overlap; however, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When is sling a more appropriate choice than fling?

While in some cases nearly identical to fling, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

In what contexts can throw take the place of fling?

The synonyms throw and fling are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might toss be a better fit than fling?

While the synonyms toss and fling are close in meaning, 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 fling
Noun
Last week, Ventura testified that Combs specifically threatened to blow up Cudi’s car after learning about their fling. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 Seth and Summer, dated in real life), but whatever’s been brewing between The White Lotus stars Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins over the past few weeks seems decidedly more complex than a cut-and-dried on-set fling. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
The other is a budding fashionista who stands in front of her closet, just flinging things to the ground. —Adrienne So, Wired News, 17 May 2025 Alexander could have flung Mitchell’s clothing on the lawn, the defense attorney said. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
  1. spree
  2. attempt
  3. throw
  4. romp
  5. try
  6. affair
  7. hurl
  8. lark
Noun
  • That was one of the assets that Lilly acquired as part of its acquisition spree in 2023 , and muscle mass preservation is one of its distinguishing features.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 3 June 2025
  • Still in Cherryvale today, the town’s historical museum features a section dedicated to the Benders – including photographs, replicas of wanted posters, and even a set of three hammers believed to have been used by the family in their three-year murder spree.
    — Sean Neumann, People.com, 1 June 2025
Definition of spree
Noun
  • The 15-year-old competitive swimmer from Angleton, Texas, went through aggressive chemo and radiation in an attempt to shrink the avocado-sized tumor.
    — Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • Searching for the source of the gunfire, police came upon Baker, who said he and his friend had been fired on during a holdup attempt, and the friend, Hudson, had been wounded.
    — John Lynch, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • He’s compensated by throwing a ton of sliders, with just over a 40% usage rate.
    — Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Police said protesters threw fireworks at officers during the standoff and police said stores were looted in the downtown area.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 9 June 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Alexander went on to pitch three more one-hitters during the season. 1929 — The Cincinnati Reds scored nine runs in the sixth inning en route to a 21-4 romp over the Chicago Cubs. 1935 — Chicago White Sox rookie John Whitehead loses to St. Louis 2-0.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • The Thunder finished off the series in a romp, leading by 39 points in a 124-94 victory, and are winning by about 11 points per game in the postseason.
    — Brian Mahoney, Twin Cities, 4 June 2025
Definition of romp
Noun
  • At the time, Buffett had just moved to Key West from Nashville after giving country music a try and had recently divorced his first wife, Margie Washichek.
    — Jessica Booth, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • The loss represented the first time the USWNT had lost two times in three tries since its three-game losing streak to England, Spain, and Germany back in 2022.
    — Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Definition of try
Noun
  • The staff hates Simone, Simone is having a secret affair with Glenn Howerton as Ethan Corbin, the Kell’s also wealthy next-soor neighbor, and Devon ultimately shifts from anger to concern after realizing something is very off here.
    — Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Is mutual loathing the natural state of affairs between reporters and a mayor?
    — Eric Lach, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Definition of affair
Verb
  • Demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway, set self-driving cars ablaze and hurled incendiary devices — and, in some cases, chunks of concrete — at law enforcement officers.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Jackie Chan is one of the greatest stuntmen ever, mostly for his willingness to hurl himself into extreme danger and his ability to keep delivering his lines afterward – not to mention basically inventing the Kung Fu comedy genre.
    — Joe Salas June 07, New Atlas, 7 June 2025
Definition of hurl
Noun
  • My family ventured into the city one night and on a lark, stopped into the MFA.
    — Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
  • But the leader of the free world picked up himself when the pair called on a lark days later, delivering on an impromptu interview the White House had previously cancelled.
    — Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of lark

Phrases Containing fling

Browse Nearby Words

flinders
fling
flinging
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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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