fling 1 of 2

fling

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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
The pair first started their fling turned serious romance at the backyard birthday party of a mutual friend’s kid, according to a new cover story in Vogue. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2025 Sadly, after a deeply honest and awkwardly embarrassing bladder control episode in the bedroom, their fling gets cut short. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
When the fourth episode flung the refiners into a deadly winter retreat, many viewers expected Mark’s innie and outie to be pretty much merged into one person. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 The thing that was built — the side of the cliff — was beautifully made, and my stunt guy flung himself over that thing. Michaela Zee, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
Noun
  • Simone Biles Knows Something About Victory Biles is coming off a record-setting spree in 2024 after winning four Olympic medals at the Paris Games, bringing her total medal count to 11 with seven gold, two silver and two bronze.
    Kasey Nelson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to Sacramento, the group robbed banks and credit unions in Vallejo, Suisun City, Benicia, Concord and Antioch in a spree that began in June of 2023 and continued through September 2024, the agreement shows.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump's probe, announced on Tuesday, is viewed as an attempt to push back on leading critical minerals producer China, and comes on top of reviews into pharmaceutical and chip imports.
    Anmol Choubey, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The team now intends to study more magnetars with Hubble in an attempt to decode their origins.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Several viral videos have captured audiences of the blockbuster video game adaptation going wild, throwing food and drink, and trashing auditoriums.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Augusta National Golf Club throws its support behind distance restrictions of golf balls and improving the pace of play.
    Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the Cape Ann League, Vinn Winter (six goals) and Finn Wright (five goals, four assists) dominated the play, as Ipswich cruised to a 17-5 romp of Amesbury.
    Kristina Banahan, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The one-night-only reading of the romp, presented as part of Chance Theater’s On The Radar New Works Program, is directed by Sasha Nicolle Smith and stars Tristan Cunningham, Kathleen Littlefield and Josh Schell.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Still, that doesn’t mean ice bathing isn’t worth a try—especially if there’s the chance of achieving age-defying results.
    Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Mahomes, 29, gave spring's hottest color a try while celebrating her friend Miranda Hogue's 30th birthday at the beach.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, the Social Security Administration’s update is a positive development, said Bill Sweeney, senior vice president of government affairs at AARP.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Powell and Sweeney's flirty banter during their press tour largely fueled the public's speculation, but the actress later denied any affair between the two.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Since mid-March, the U.S. military has hurled more than $200 million worth of missiles, bombs, and rockets into the remote deserts and mountains of Yemen, in what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dubbed, with sublime ahistorical clumsiness, Operation Rough Rider.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Avery hurls the ball toward the basket, hitting the rim but missing.
    Laura A. Bischoff, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Then there are Big Brother alums Danielle and Britney, with the former holding a grudge against the latter for a betrayal that occurred on a mini-season lark called Big Brother: Reindeer Games.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Her knack for hairdressing revealed itself on a lark, though her creative sensibilities were clear from an early age.
    Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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