switch 1 of 2

Definition of switchnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Our next system arrives late Wednesday, bringing rain and then switching to a wet snow that could accumulate into Thursday. Joseph Dames, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 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, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
And that really was like a switch going off. Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026 The series’ first real twist is that the paranoid conspiracy Rachel imagines is in fact a bait-and-switch for what’s going on here. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
  • The potatoes nail the candy coating crackle of the original, while sweetened mayo is swapped with an aioli made of saffron, condensed milk and citrus.
    Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Whenever Corsight detected his face, it would be swapped for the likeness of Tom Cruise.
    Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At the time the docuseries was made, Mark could only flick at that possibility due to a lack of evidence.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
  • In the video, the snake flicks its tongue, a common sensory behavior used to detect chemical cues in the air and identify nearby prey or potential predators.
    Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Controversial school policies hiding students’ gender transitions from parents remains a ripe issue the Supreme Court should take up, activists argue, despite the justices already handing parents a win in an emergency docket case on the matter earlier this month.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But her lover, the increasingly controlling and unhinged army corporal Don José, is gradually dimished to lurking in the shadows and hiding in crowds.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The surge is also hitting refinance demand, not just purchases, as higher rates have reversed activity that had briefly improved earlier in the month.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But in 243 men’s basketball games at home arenas in the Southeastern Conference this season, there were 128 total challenges; 85 were reversed and 43 calls stood, a 2-to-1 ratio.
    Maura Carey, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The department shared photos of Ziggy, still wearing a bandage on his left hind leg, jumping up and licking Spring's face during a recent visit.
    Neal Riley, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Seals off The San Diego Seals (6-8) are off this weekend and licking their wounds following a crushing 9-8 home loss to Buffalo on Saturday.
    Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Johnson is one of two majority whips.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The character was meant to be this character who occasionally would come down from his office and whip people into shape.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Arriving for the Enthronement Ceremony to install Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury this afternoon, the Princess carried a classic Chanel flap bag, which, for the eagle-eyed onlooker, appeared pre-crumpled.
    Olivia Allen, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The glue slowly hardens, giving surgeons time to position the flap.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara gives you longer, more curled lashes in just a few swipes.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 28 Mar. 2026
  • When Doncic reached out to push Williams’ arm, Williams responded with a backhand swipe across Doncic’s face.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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