Thesaurus results for FLING

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of fling

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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as in attempt

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in affair

a brief romantic relationship an ill-advised fling with a coworker

Synonyms & Similar Words

fling

2 of 2

verb

ˈfliŋ

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

In Hawai’i, two lovers (Kenji and Jane) are drawn together for what’s supposed to be a summer fling. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 Bloc Party’s next album charts the course of such a fling, one that frontman Kele Okereke experienced himself after separating from his long-term partner. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026

Verb

The moment when everything has been flung apart and is exploding in front of you. — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026 Any intimations of exclusivity have gone out the window, just like the liquor bottles, condoms — and one TV — flung from balconies. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling

Noun

Lavie's latest arrest comes nearly four months after Los Angeles County prosecutors accused her of carrying out a dating app burglary spree targeting wealthy victims across Southern California.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Spurs boast a number of tidy, technical players in the front line but this summer’s spending spree feels an opportunity to add some punch to the No 10 position.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of spree

Noun

The new district snakes up through Kansas City’s urban core, in an attempt to create a district more favorable for Republicans in the 5th District.

— Jack Harvel July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
The new scheme is the latest in a series of attempts by officials to lure back tourists.

— Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Definition of attempt

Noun

Austin police are conducting a criminal investigation with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, as well as an administrative investigation through their internal affairs unit, police said in a news release.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
As for his father, Sonnenfeld says his dad had several affairs that his wife was aware of.

— Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of affair

Verb

But Daemon gets thrown from the saddle, and Caraxes allows Sheepstealer to escape or at least to slink off into the woods to die alone.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
By the time all was said and done, Prielipp had walked three, including one with the bases loaded, and had thrown 35 pitches.

— Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of throw

Noun

Superhero movies weren't dominating the box office, and tapping the Evil Dead director for a PG-13 action romp that had been in development hell for 25 years wasn't guaranteed to work out.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026
The critter gained numerous fans during its brief romp around Comerica, with the crowd booing after its capture and again when Miller called for a round of applause for the ground crew after the ordeal.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of romp

Noun

Other notable tech that is transforming fashion apparel and retail includes virtual try-on and AR.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
As several of her peers engaged with adaptive sports for the first time, Hwang felt compelled to give them a try herself.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of try

Verb

While the violent mobs who hurled stones at marchers in 1966 are long gone, civil rights advocates say their demands remained strikingly familiar and that the threat to democracy has not disappeared.

— Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Resinous pine cones can also ignite and be hurled hundreds of meters by wind, helping fire spread.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of hurl

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flinging

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“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of fling

noun

verb

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Synonyms of fling

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing fling

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on fling

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