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swing

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verb

1
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

2
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

3
4
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

5
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

6

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

Examples 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
But these swings are becoming acute — and not just in the Golden State. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 12 Jan. 2025 The Caps take their three-game California swing in mid-March, which isn’t great timing considering that this could be right around when the record chase is heating up. Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
Everyone is leaning eclectic and thrifty: The pendulum has officially swung away from perfectly put-together. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025 Apparently eager to see the 47th president get off to a quick and successful start, huge majorities of voters have swung behind his 100-day plan to shake Washington up and deliver relief to the nation. Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for swing 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing
Noun
  • Exposure to different movements helps prevent injury and increases range of motion.
    Amanda Schupak, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Andrews constantly checked his form, every movement accompanied by a directive.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • At Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, counselor Corey Marr has seen a clear shift in his students’ willingness to talk about their own mental health since Jesuit’s Hope Squad formed there five years ago.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The change in leadership marks a shift for the Intelligence Committee.
    Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Nordstrom isn’t expected to deviate too much from its existing strategy of driving in-store sales and the expansion of Nordstrom Rack — and beauty remains a bright spot.
    James Manso, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Eggers doesn’t deviate too far from the plot of the 1922 film, but introduces the idea that Ellen had a role in summoning the creature from beyond the grave, and amplifies the psychic connection between the two.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Thanks to pandemic and production delays, however, training turned into a long, grueling process.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
  • And then that’s turned into a working animatronic suit that is so insane.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The raptors’ behavior underscores the complex relationship between fire and wildlife, revealing how some species adapt and even manipulate their surroundings to thrive.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • China can gather data on Americans or manipulate the content on TikTok to shape U.S. opinion, the government argues.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • My encounters with dancing baseball players and rotating snow brooms were not grist for the mill of public discussion; this experience was unique to me.
    Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Triples sees the three players on a team rotate who hits shots as well as taking turns to tee off.
    Ben Church, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, Peak suggests storing your knives in a drawer or utilizing vertical space and installing a magnetic knife strip on your kitchen wall and hanging your knives.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Additionally, the rescue's vets determined that the large tumor hanging from the dog's abdomen — which sometimes touched the ground when Snow White stood — was connected to one of the canine's mammary glands.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Even after his best season, Hoffman is projected to sign a contract the Mets can easily afford.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Once considered slow to adopt new innovations, CRE professionals have recently come to appreciate what the latest technology affords them.
    Fred Battisti, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near swing

Cite this Entry

“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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