fling 1 of 2

Definition of flingnext

fling

2 of 2

verb

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
Throughout this dense and always engrossing survey of Lean’s career in film, Thompson threads the vicissitudes of the director’s personal life, spanning six wives and various other relationships and flings. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026 Tensions between Rian and Patrick flare when Rian drunkenly mentions a brief fling with Shiv, though the film’s clunky edit, which gives little room for the performances to breathe and play out organically within their contexts, makes these frictions feel stilted and juvenile. Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026
Verb
The players rotated quickly, setting flurries of picks and cutting, creating space by driving to the basket, stretching the defense to the point of breaking, and then flinging the ball to the open man in the corner. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 June 2026 That pressure flings some of the hot gas outward in the form of a wind. Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
Noun
  • On top of doggedly tracking a serial killer whose murder spree started decades earlier, our shrewd heroine uncovers a tangled workplace conspiracy that's as sinister as her prime suspect's motives.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
  • Kenya is in the middle of a $45 billion investment spree on airports, ports, rail, and industrial zones, creating multiyear financing needs and transaction advisory fee opportunities.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Los Angeles appears poised to lose in its attempt to keep $100 million in state grant funding for transportation projects in some of the neediest neighborhoods after a state commission declined to hear the city’s appeal for an extension.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • His endorsements are regarded as a high-risk, but high-reward attempt to reshape Washington politics by sending left-leaning candidates to Congress.
    Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • According to their website, Ecumenical Hunger Program is a family affair.
    Sooji Nam, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • The Partey affair has hung heavy over a squad already trying to come to terms with a new coach in Queiroz, and who failed to qualify for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — a competition Ghana have won four times, but not since 1982.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Bottles and coolers were thrown toward officers as more police moved in, Prokupecz reported.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • No one had thrown 50 since 1988, when Dodgers legend Orel Hershiser set the record with 59.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • But since earning a fourth star at the 2014 edition in Brazil — which included an epic 7-1 romp over the hosts in the semifinals — winning hasn’t come easy for Die Mannschaft.
    Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026
  • Mexico enters the World Cup riding an eight-game unbeaten streak, including wins against tournament participants Australia (1-0) and Ghana (2-0) in May and a 5-1 romp over Serbia last week.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Clemson's Shantae Foreman leaped 46 feet, 7 inches on her sixth and final try to win the triple jump.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 June 2026
  • The Knicks simply could not make a shot, missing on 16 of their first 18 tries and each of their first 11 two-point attempts.
    CBS New York Team, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • A bit of romance, lots of great character conflicts, lovely English countryside and fantastic period costumes all make for a really excellent watch.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Here — with generous assistance from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and an excellent Ray Liotta as players in a propulsive story about the romance and horror of being a knock-around guy — Scorsese finds momentum.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates hurled a 2-0 no-hitter in the first game of a doubleheader against the San Diego Padres.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • Protests outside the gates have shown activists pummeling cars, impeding the exits and in some cases getting hurled out of the way after collisions with vehicles attempting to speed away from the violent activists.
    Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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