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

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 affair

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

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

Maybe redemption is too strong a word, but with all of this attention on Luke, Joe’s normal-bordering-on-wholesome fling with Kayley is a breath of fresh air. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026 In Hawai’i, two lovers (Kenji and Jane) are drawn together for what’s supposed to be a summer fling. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Verb

At least 15 Tigers groundskeepers joined a seventh-inning squirrel chase that spilled into right field, where the critter ran into Leody Taveras’ glove and was accidentally flung skyward. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026 The image of Jesse flinging his glove into the air and falling to his knees in celebration will live forever in the minds of Mets fans. — New York Daily News, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling

Noun

Deputies said suspect Viviana Rocha carried out her alleged tire-slashing spree in the 5000 block of Verdugo Way on Wednesday morning.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Liverpool finished fifth last season, despite a club-record $565 million transfer spree during the 2025 summer window.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of spree

Noun

The fallout from that controversial attempt has divided the soccer landscape, with continental confederations and individual national associations all split on whether a change in FIFA leadership is needed.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
The bottom line is that litigation must be managed and an attempt made to settle the case early if possible.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of attempt

Noun

Initially a rudimentary, box-like affair, things have improved since, thanks mainly to the addition of a second tier behind the goal.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Any chance for a post-trade-deadline revenge night was thwarted when the Mercury ruled Kelsey Plum out ahead of Tuesday’s affair with a lower left leg injury.

— Kai Dizon, Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of affair

Verb

Back on the job the morning after the alert was lifted, Isidro threw a rope over an avocado tree about 20 feet (6 meters) high and climbed up.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
The quarterback who has thrown Allen the most passes during camp practices — Patrick Mahomes — spent his time Saturday standing on the sideline.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of throw

Noun

The crumbling institution makes an appropriately strange backdrop for a romp that mixes madcap antics, tangled romantic relationships, and the frank, sometimes enthusiastically gross sexuality that is one of Waller-Bridge’s signatures.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
As Kris attempts to crack the origin story of Camp Miasma, the two embark on gory, sexy and campy romp in the woods.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of romp

Noun

With Prince George's first day at Eton approaching, the Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly considering reviving the press truce that protected the early days of their own romance.

— Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
While Romy and Michele may still be in business together, Sorvino hinted that romance could be on the horizon for the longtime best friends.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of romance

Verb

Kirk got the win with 5 1/3 innings to beat NorCal in the unofficial state title game in the region opener on Sunday, two days before Martinez hurled a complete-game one-hitter to beat Hawaii in the region semifinal.

— Dennis Pope, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
In the attack on Don Maca a few days later, one of the 20 crew members said the first blast hurled him into the air.

— Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurl

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flinging

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“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of fling

noun

verb

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Synonyms of fling

noun

verb

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Example Sentences

Phrases Containing fling

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on fling

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

lackadaisical

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes