fling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of flingnext
1
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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2
as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something take a fling at waterskiing and see how it goes

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in affaire
a brief romantic relationship an ill-advised fling with a coworker

Synonyms & Similar Words

fling

2 of 2

verb

ˈfliŋ How to pronounce fling (audio)
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
Jenna Bush Hager’s former fling made a big mistake! —Raven Brunner, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025 Kiss Me At Christmas by Jenny Bayliss After her daughter skips coming home for Christmas, one mom finds the Christmas spirit in an unlikely place: directing a play alongside her most recent fling. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, flung himself into the arms of his longtime partner after jurors delivered his not guilty verdict on Tuesday. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025 The Western trend that swept denim fashion in 2024 flung the cowboy fit back into the spotlight. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fling
  1. spree
  2. attempt
  3. throw
  4. romp
  5. try
  6. affair
  7. hurl
  8. lark
Noun
  • But until the rules change, the team is entitled to continue its spending spree.
    — Russell Leung, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went on an online thanking spree after dozens of world leaders voiced support for him in the aftermath of his contentious Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
    — Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of spree
Noun
  • Iran has been linked by U.S. officials to several assassination plots against Trump, not including the two notable attempts on his life during the campaign trail.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • But most foods know no gender, and brands risk alienating certain groups through the attempt of specifically alluring another.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • In addition to First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, other guests included a trio of Jewish White House staffers who threw together an impromptu seder the year before while campaigning with Obama.
    — Penny Schwartz, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Nunez kept trying to fight after correction officers stopped the battle, trying to stab an inmate who threw an object at him before officers pepper-sprayed Nunez into submission, the complaint alleges.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Lewa White, Sacred Heart Prep soccer: The junior scored a goal and dished out three assists in SHP’s 7-0 romp over North Monterey County in the CCS D-V title game.
    — Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The next four opponents are all in the mix for European qualification with Brighton, who are ninth in the table following Saturday’s 4-0 romp at Southampton.
    — Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of romp
Noun
  • These serve the same confidence-building/try without risk approach as plug-in hybrid vehicles.
    — Jamie Gold, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Give these no-fuss clogs and sneakers from Amazon a try — starting at just $24.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of try
Noun
  • For example the story of the like button suggests that innovation is not the result of one hero standing tall but a serendipitous social affair.
    — Christian Stadler, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The trip to and from Sacramento to work in person is a 14-hour affair.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of affair
Verb
  • Apparently, my father approached the people hurling the insults and asked them to stop.
    — Scott Thompson, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • And even as South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace spent the beginning of 2025 hurling anti-trans slurs at Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride, the first out trans woman to serve in Congress, Democrats have largely remained silent.
    — Abby Monteil, Them, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of hurl
Noun
  • Her knack for hairdressing revealed itself on a lark, though her creative sensibilities were clear from an early age.
    — Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
  • But in a key way, this gentle, nonjudgmental lark is timely too.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Definition of lark

Phrases Containing fling

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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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