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

Relevance

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

Chunks of concrete were flung into a nesting and migration site important to some endangered species and a fire chewed through around 4 acres of Boca Chica State Park Land south of the Texas launchpad. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 Planting himself to the left of the penalty spot, Ballard flung his right boot at the ball, the speed of his leg swing producing enough power to beat Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling

Noun

Vinson hit Bunch for a 34-yard TD strike late in the second quarter to end Maine South’s scoring spree.

— Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
After a hiring spree this year, the labor market has shown some signs of cooling.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of spree

Noun

Only guests in the larger rooms gain access to the rooftop, with its heated pool, and the Vault bar, arguably the highlight of the whole affair, cocooned among 3,000 gleaming safe deposit boxes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
No longer, however, does the 160-lap affair offer a winless driver by simply reaching victory lane.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of affair

Noun

Their Mediterranean romance becomes complicated when Ry's mother becomes involved in a resort development threatening Julián's family's land.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
That casting was for Prime Video’s romance The Last Sunrise, based on author Anna Todd’s 2025 bestseller and released this Wednesday.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of romance

Verb

Loaded trucks plodded through the crowd with people in their cargo beds throwing tomatoes at the revelers — who, in turn, hurled them at one another.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
When a massive riot erupted at Soledad on Cinco de Mayo in 1968, Trejo hurled a rock that smashed a prison guard in the head.

— Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurl

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flinders

fling

flinging

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“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fling

noun

verb

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Synonyms of fling

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing fling

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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