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
This is excellent news for anyone who craves a spring fling or wants to ignite their romantic lives. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025 Nothing Laurie could have done, and no lies Jaclyn could have told herself or the others about wanting to help her friend have a vacation fling, was going to change that. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 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
  • The front office went on another offseason shopping spree to avoid becoming a buyer at the trade deadline but that plan could still change.
    — Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
Definition of spree
Noun
  • Germany’s new chancellor announced $52 billion in corporate tax breaks in an attempt to revive the country’s flagging economy.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
  • After their introduction in the mid-1800s in an attempt to establish a fur trade, possums have spiraled out of control, taking up habitat and spreading disease to the creatures that call Aotearoa, or New Zealand, home.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • The Justice Department is also throwing its support behind a pending lawsuit alleging similar violations of girls’ rights in the Riverside Unified School District, said U.S. Atty.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Its steering is tight and precise, and throwing its 1,800kg mass around bends is heaps of fun thanks to its grippy tyres.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • However, the biggest win for the Shamrocks came against Franklin during a 14-6 romp April 26.
    — Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025
  • The police department shared a video of the repeat offender's recent romp around his neighborhood in its social media post.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 21 May 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
  • Global teams should be able to hold strategy sessions, partake in employee training, and other affairs without worrying about network delays, language barriers, and the lack of non-verbal signals.
    — Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Their affair, unfolding in the shadows of Jim Crow America, sparks a firestorm.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 May 2025
Definition of affair
Verb
  • Back then, the distance between the rubber and home plate was a mere 40 feet, and pitchers were hurling a white ball with white seams.
    — Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • The insults were hurled on at least two occasions, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
    — Abigail Adams, People.com, 9 May 2025
Definition of hurl
Noun
  • 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
  • It’s been hard for musicians to shake the idea that fusing country and rap can be more than a lark.
    — Justin Curto, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of lark

Phrases Containing fling

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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 10 Jun. 2025.

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