SWING Synonyms: 182 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'swing' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swing are fluctuate , oscillate , sway , undulate , vibrate , and waver . While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side. // the door suddenly swung open

Q: When might 'fluctuate' be a better fit than 'swing'?

Although the words fluctuate and swing have much in common, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value. // fluctuating interest rates

Q: When is it sensible to use 'oscillate' instead of 'swing'?

The words oscillate and swing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction. // an oscillating fan

Q: When could 'sway' be used to replace 'swing'?

While in some cases nearly identical to swing , sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement. // trees swaying in the breeze

Q: When can 'undulate' be used instead of 'swing'?

In some situations, the words undulate and swing are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion. // an undulating sea of grass

Q: Where would 'vibrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'swing'?

The meanings of vibrate and swing largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact. // the vibrating strings of a piano

Q: In what contexts can 'waver' take the place of 'swing'?

While the synonyms waver and swing are close in meaning, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering. // the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

swing 1 of 2

noun

Definition of swing

as in license

Related Words

Relevance

as in movement

Related Words

as in shift

Related Words

swing

2 of 2

verb

ˈswiŋ

as in to deviate

to change one's course or direction thinking that we were being followed, we abruptly swung to the left at the next intersection swing right at James St.

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to turn

to change the course or direction of (something) at the sound of gunfire, the cavalry officer swung his horse around and galloped rapidly back to the fort

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to manipulate

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently a man who's able to swing two full-time jobs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to rotate

to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis he swung the bat as hard as he could but he missed the ball don't let the wind swing that gate shut

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to hang

to place on an elevated point without support from below beach towels swung up to dry on the lifeguard's high chair

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to afford

to have enough money for I don't think that we can swing that hefty a mortgage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swing are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When might fluctuate be a better fit than swing?

Although the words fluctuate and swing have much in common, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use oscillate instead of swing?

The words oscillate and swing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When could sway be used to replace swing?

While in some cases nearly identical to swing, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can undulate be used instead of swing?

In some situations, the words undulate and swing are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Where would vibrate be a reasonable alternative to swing?

The meanings of vibrate and swing largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

In what contexts can waver take the place of swing?

While the synonyms waver and swing are close in meaning, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

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 swing

Noun

This is also Lionsgate’s second swing at revitalizing the Leprechaun franchise in just a few years. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 But Moore has also taken snaps at both left and right tackle with the second team, perhaps a sign of a future role as a backup swing tackle. — Sam McDowell 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Verb

As supply chains stabilized, however, the pendulum swung the other way, and many businesses were left with too much inventory on hand. — Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has swung his way onto thousands of BMW screens around the world. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing

Noun

Pavel Matveev, Wirex's co-founder, said on the On The Margin podcast that his company spent years issuing cards through someone else's license before buying its own.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
All stadium revenue would belong to the team, including ticket sales, licenses to suites, advertising and marketing revenue, sales of concessions and memorabilia, and parking sales.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of license

Noun

Chainalysis attributes 84% of illicit crypto transaction volume to stablecoins, the endpoint of a shift the crime economy started making years ago, and stablecoins now settle more monthly volume than ACH.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Puberty already shifts this rhythm later, which is why many teenagers do not feel tired until close to midnight.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of shift

Verb

And the days are coming when AI is meaningfully involved in clinical care, beyond just transcribing our own words, and the follow-up recommendation deviates from the standard of care.

— Frances Mei Hardin, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026
After establishing a baseline over seven nights, the watch will notify you if any stat deviates from the norm, which could be a warning sign of a potential illness.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of deviate

Verb

Illustrations of peacocks, butterflies, and florals turn each acrylic tile into a miniature work of art, while the colorful palette feels perfectly suited for a poolside picnic table.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
Moreover, in a study of 29 users of Melanotan II published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, some users reported their skin turning a dull gray color.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of turn

Verb

Hilariously, the players figure out that they were manipulated on the unanimous Sam vote, and collectively decide that was the top-level metagame.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
The department has been further beleaguered by concerns that leaders manipulated crime statistics to boost its image.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

This hanging planter can be used year-round to display faux greenery, trailing flowers, or vibrant blooms to match the season.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
Primary Bedroom The mingling of prints and colors continues into the primary suite, where Jenny covered a custom headboard in Serena Dugan’s Capretto Outdoor Fabric in Flame/Fuchsia and hung a piece from local artist Whitney Stoddard.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of hang

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swineherds

swing

swinging

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“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of swing

noun

verb

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