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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to hide
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
switched the stagecoach horses to control the direction they took
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
the loose rigging switched the mast during the storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in whip
a long thin or flexible tool for striking
struck the horse's hide with a leather switch, and it took off at a gallop
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in swipe
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
in frustration, he gave the mule a sharp switch on the rump, but it still wouldn't budge
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
After a silent scene of the rockers floating listlessly in the water, Eastin (and co-director Aaron Hymes) switch up the elements and transport the guys to a desert scene in which the contents of the room are aflame, including Reynolds’ mic stand, as well as the drum kit and Dan Sermon’s guitar.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025
Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
This means Van Dijk is not forced into potentially awkward passes down the left but can break lines with short passes into central midfielders or hit switches to Salah — see passes two and four on the visual below.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for switch
Verb
School districts opted to cancel class or switch to virtual learning throughout the eastern U.S. and as far west as Oklahoma, citing dangerously low temperatures and treacherous travel conditions.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
After a silent scene of the rockers floating listlessly in the water, Eastin (and co-director Aaron Hymes) switch up the elements and transport the guys to a desert scene in which the contents of the room are aflame, including Reynolds’ mic stand, as well as the drum kit and Dan Sermon’s guitar.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
The switch to The Twenty Two was made less than 24 hours following the fire at the Chiltern.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
This means Van Dijk is not forced into potentially awkward passes down the left but can break lines with short passes into central midfielders or hit switches to Salah — see passes two and four on the visual below.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switch
Verb
-
Mohamed Salah is clearly the best player in FPL, but is this weekend the time to swap him out?—
Jacob Whitehead,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
-
After that match, Messi swapped jerseys with former Sporting KC striker Alan Pulido.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Upon entering the tasting room, Galloni flicked on the lights with flair.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2025
-
True, a laser can flick from one target to the next in a fraction of a second, but identifying a weak spot and fixing the beam on it is another matter entirely.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Imani Randolph, a model and creator, recalls her mom’s upbringing in the Bronx where effort wasn’t hidden, it was celebrated.—
Daisy Maldonado,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Sen both understood Oberon’s desire to hide a secret and recognized a trace of her South Asian accent.—
Carolyn Kellogg,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Chris Wright to reverse course, explaining the dire national security implications.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN,
17 Feb. 2025
-
After initially waging a hefty 25% tariff against Canada at the end of last month, making good on a 2024 campaign promise, Trump reversed course and delayed the tariffs for at least 30 days.—
Steve Gardner,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The flames licked at the neighborhood’s outskirts, toasting a few leaves at the perimeter, but didn’t damage a single residence in the community.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2025
-
As Ferrell resumed singing with Johansson, Kardashian and Gasteyer, Wiig proceeded to lick Dooneese’s tiny hands and stroke Johansson’s face, tap on one of Gasteyer’s breasts and pretend to play the drums on Kardashian’s butt.—
Michaela Zee,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Using a hand mixer, whip until the mixture is smooth and firm enough to hold its shape, about 5 minutes.—
Janice Feuer Haugen,
Saveur,
12 Feb. 2025
-
Simon was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and said she’s been offered a leadership position as a deputy policy whip for House Democrats.—
Chase Hunter,
The Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The washed canvas is a durable fabric, while the outer flap and buckles provide security.—
BestReviews,
The Mercury News,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Crafted with 100 percent Merino wool, this versatile style combines the structural details of a trench coat, like a storm flap, with the comfort and ease of tie waist robe coats.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The sketch took some vague swipes at a few of them, starting with Kate McKinnon as Rudy Giuliani.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Transfer-proof and long-lasting for 24 hours of wear, this formula is in it for the long haul: the creamy concealer works to perfect the look of skin—correcting pigmentation, veiling blemishes, and evening skin tone with just a few swipes of its doe-foot applicator.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switch. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share