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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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
Originally supposed to fly Sierra Space Dream Chaser test flight, but payload switched to an inert mass simulator because of potential Dream Chaser delays beyond October launch date. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025 Animals can get used to repellants, so try switching them up every couple of weeks. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
Noun
And just like Google, Microsoft can absorb new AI companies with the flick of a switch given its size, distribution moat and extensive networks. Barry Libert, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Overnight, the pair switch bodies to learn about the struggles the other is dealing with. Victoria Edel, People.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • More prisoners were swapped Monday in a staggered process taking place over coming days, Zelensky and the Russian Defense Ministry announced, though neither side said how many.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The flavor mingles well with the typical ingredients of mayonnaise and mustard, but if your recipe already contains vinegar, consider swapping it out for pickle juice instead.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • One finish, in particular, for Livingston against Hamilton Academical in March 2021, is a reminder of his eye for the spectacular: flicking the ball up, with his back to goal, then firing a swivelling volley into the roof of the net.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • In some of the most creepy moments of the show, every single one of those lights can be flicked off to achieve complete darkness.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Though Polish presidential candidates often stand as individuals, rather than representatives of a party, there is little hiding their affiliations, and each major party historically endorses and campaigns for a candidate.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • Ukraine was able to smuggle drones deep into Russia by hiding them in the tops of flatbed trucks, which parked near military bases before the drones lifted off to attack planes on the runway.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The company’s decision to cut health insurance for employees diagnosed with HIV/AIDS prompted this action; the company eventually reversed this, in large part due to pressure by activists.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
  • Each of these provisions could be tweaked or reversed to allow for passage in the Senate, where Thune has his own three-seat majority to navigate.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The flames that licked through the football fields and tennis courts at Pali High devoured touchstones of an iconic campus—featured in films like Carrie and Freaky Friday.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 5 June 2025
  • Besides, Angela already got her lick back from Porsha’s comments about Charles by instigating the already precarious relationship between Porsha and her bestie and bringing Drew the news that Porsha filmed with Dennis.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • That whip pan right there is actually about three years.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 7 June 2025
  • Castro, elected to the state Senate in 2016, is the majority caucus whip for the 103rd General Assembly, chair of the Senate Executive Committee, and a member of the Latino Caucus, according to her website biography.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • And yes, some plastic surgeons are apt to regale you with tales of their bespoke extended, vertical vector, composite flap, scarless, mystery, reset lift.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 28 May 2025
  • Depending on the model, the cup holder may be integrated into the armrest, attached to the frame or part of an accessory flap.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • As artificial intelligence redefines human interactions, one question persists with scientific urgency and cultural weight: What happens to the brain's romantic blueprint when intimacy is filtered through screens, swipes and simulations?
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Even as more Americans tap, swipe or scan to pay, most still carry at least a little cash — and financial planners say that’s a good idea.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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