swing 1 of 2

verb

ˈswiŋ How to pronounce swing (audio)
Definition of swingnext
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

swing

2 of 2

noun

1
as in licence

Related Words
2
as in movement

Related Words
3
as in shift

Related 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
Verb
So, could elite power pitching in the playoffs further expose the swing-and-miss concerns in Detroit’s lineup? —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 Duggan asserted that because Tisdel hails from a swing district, Democrats rejected his plan. —Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
As costumed performers and children with baskets of treats paraded through the community, bright orange whistles swung from their necks, each one ready to cut through the music should federal immigration agents appear. —Priscilla Alvarez, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 Momentum continued to swing in Team USA's favor as Tommy Morrison secured another 3-and-2 win against Niall Shiels Donegan. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing
  1. deviate
  2. turn
  3. manipulate
  4. rotate
  5. hang
  6. afford
  7. movement
  8. shift
Verb
  • Use words, phrases, and approaches that deviate from traditional power-play leadership to cultivate a revolutionary, individualistic leadership style.
    — Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Princess of Wales has rarely deviated from her signature brunette tresses, often styled in a bouncy blowout, since marrying into the royal family in 2011.
    — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of deviate
Verb
  • Nolthenius hopes that more astronomers – professionals and amateurs – will turn their eyes to the skies to observe Quaoar's occultations.
    — Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In less than six hours, the protest turned violent when police used water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and then gunfire, killing at least 19 people including children and injuring hundreds of others.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of turn
Verb
  • When writers see and manipulate structure, words become poetry.
    — Rebecca Coffey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Cyrus was quick to defend herself, implying her words had been manipulated by the Times.
    — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • Over the years, the series has also seen a rotating roster of hosts, including current faces Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond.
    — Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, rotating pans about halfway through.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of rotate
Verb
  • Steele hung there pretending to be dead for two hours before managing to cut the chute lines and make his way to safety.
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Better yet, keep it in your gardening apron or hang a spray bottle on your garden gate.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of hang
Verb
  • Johnson can only afford to lose three GOP votes and still pass the bill along party lines, though many Democrats are expected to vote in favor of the legislation, and the small majority won’t make much of a difference.
    — Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Even when things might look bleak, investors with cash on hand can afford to wait it out and not panic.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of afford
Noun
  • Yet, Bilkie said, short-term market movements, like the decline in April, can serve as a reminder to review and rebalance portfolios.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Standing 9 metres tall, Dunamis evokes transformation and upward motion, while Danse Gwenedour celebrates myth, movement, and cultural fluidity.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of movement
Noun
  • And occultations themselves depend on the viewer's location on Earth, as the viewing angle shifts with latitude.
    — Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The aim shifts from corporate adoption to personal leverage.
    — Curt Steinhorst, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of shift

Browse Nearby Words

swineherds
swing
swinging
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Cite this Entry

“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on swing

Nglish: Translation of swing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swing

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