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 next

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 affaire

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

Examples 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

Kelce then shot his shot at Swift in the summer of 2023, and their fling blossomed into an outstanding relationship that engulfed the sports and pop culture world. —

Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 12 Nov. 2024 Helen insists her affair wasn’t part of the job or even a casual fling. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

When an insect flutters by, the spider releases the tension line, flinging the web forward and entangling the prey. —

Ari Daniel, NPR, 6 Dec. 2024 Russell allegedly also flung his walkie-talkie on the ground and cursed at an assistant director who intervened on behalf of the extra. —

Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling

Noun

By the time the killing spree was put to an end, some estimates put the number of victims as high as 135.

Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Employers, however, remained hesitant to add more workers after a hiring spree during the recovery from the pandemic.

Lucia Mutikani, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025