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
The pair first started their fling turned serious romance at the backyard birthday party of a mutual friend’s kid, according to a new cover story in Vogue. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2025 Sadly, after a deeply honest and awkwardly embarrassing bladder control episode in the bedroom, their fling gets cut short. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
When the fourth episode flung the refiners into a deadly winter retreat, many viewers expected Mark’s innie and outie to be pretty much merged into one person. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 The thing that was built — the side of the cliff — was beautifully made, and my stunt guy flung himself over that thing. —Michaela Zee, Variety, 21 Mar. 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
  • Amidst Texas’s fiercest heat-wave on the eve of Ramadan fasting, three young Muslims reluctantly plunge into a crime spree to save their community, confronting the gritty underworld of Houston and their own struggle for power.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025
  • With this Republican trifecta in place comes the opportunity to pass a reconciliation bill that not only extends the Trump tax cuts but also addresses the economic fallout from the Biden administration’s reckless regulatory and spending spree.
    — Stewart Whitson, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of spree
Noun
  • Automakers could be compensated for previous tariff payments as Trump attempts to pull back on fierce tariffs.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • As an attempt to derive meaning from a meaningless phrase —which was, after all, the user's request—that's not half bad.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • The cherry blossom motif wallpaper, floral curtains, and throw blanket are all from Pierre Frey, while the four-poster bed is made by Porte Italia.
    — Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The collection includes more than 200 items, including a wide range of bedding, bath towels and accessories, pillows, and throw blankets.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Save for outlier performances such as what Cleveland’s Ty Jerome did to the Heat in Sunday night’s Game 1 romp and what Davion Mitchell has done in his blaze of glory the past few weeks for the Heat, the reality is that of the top seven players in this series, the Heat might only have two.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The league may be a Liverpool romp, but a Champions League spot is in Forest’s grasp.
    — Sam Settleman, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of romp
Noun
  • On the fourth try, the bird may have found something.
    — Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
  • After poor weather forced ULA to scrub a launch attempt on April 9, the company will have to wait nearly three weeks for another try to launch an Atlas V rocket with Amazon's first full-up load of 27 Kuiper broadband satellites, Ars reports.
    — Abigail Bassett, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of try
Noun
  • The one-night affair is being presented in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective.
    — Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
  • For decades, laws have intentionally limited military involvement in civilian affairs to prevent the militarization of policing and protect constitutional rights.
    — Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of affair
Verb
  • The massive Ford Raptor truck then reverses away from the lot, hurling Sloan to the ground.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Then, as Ventura was motionless on the floor, Combs appears to kick her and later hurls an object from a table at her.
    — Liam Quinn, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of hurl
Noun
  • An unkindness of ravens, a parliament of owls, an exaltation of larks!
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Then there are Big Brother alums Danielle and Britney, with the former holding a grudge against the latter for a betrayal that occurred on a mini-season lark called Big Brother: Reindeer Games.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025
Definition of lark

Phrases Containing fling

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flinders
fling
flinging
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Cite this Entry

“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fling. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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