swing 1 of 2

noun

Definition of swingnext
1
as in licence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in movement

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in shift

Synonyms & Similar Words

swing

2 of 2

verb

ˈswiŋ How to pronounce swing (audio)
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
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

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
Noun
In addition to spiritually healing through prayer, worship, time at the spas, and meditation, Henson also leaned into her adventurous side by trying fun activities, such as a ‘swing dress’ shoot set in a picturesque valley, which completely challenged her fear of heights. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 May 2025 The 6-foot Higgins has a great swing radius and prototypical size to generate power. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Verb
This moment is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity, when hard work is fueled by purpose, and when the doors of justice swing open for all. —Justice Lubbie Harper, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025 Ramirez is allegedly seen throwing a punch at Allison in that recording, at which time Allison swings back at Ramirez with a knife in his hand, according to court documents. —Chris Spargo, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing
  1. movement
  2. shift
  3. deviate
  4. turn
  5. manipulate
  6. rotate
  7. hang
  8. afford
Noun
  • As institutions fractured, migratory movements pushed not from Africa to Europe, but from Europe to Africa, and a new order began to emerge, Augustine interpreted the signs of discordant times.
    — Anna Rowlands, Time, 12 May 2025
  • As the body positivity movement blossomed from the ashes of Y2K and Heroine Chic, the community witnessed tides changing in all areas of life, particularly fashion.
    — Essence, Essence, 12 May 2025
Definition of movement
Noun
  • The drone attack on Port Sudan indicates a major shift in the two-year conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
  • But that house of password cards, dear reader, is about to come crashing down as Microsoft announces a dramatic shift in security emphasis from app to browser.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Definition of shift
Verb
  • In space, satellites deviated from their trajectories due to the changes in air density caused by the sudden heating triggered by the energetic processes.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 May 2025
  • Industry stakeholders argue that the USCIS’s current two-year requirement deviates from both the law and investor expectations, potentially jeopardizing long-term projects.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of deviate
Verb
  • Victor Ponta, a former leftist prime minister who has turned conservative nationalist, is ranked fourth but could prove a dark horse.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
  • There’s a camera grip that also attaches to the bottom of the case to turn the whole setup into something resembling a camera.
    — Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Definition of turn
Verb
  • The book’s vivid digital art, collaged from her own photographs and manipulated in Photoshop, helped children connect with science and nature in new ways.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Meaning, that European standards of living or dressing were never truly embraced or replicated but rather adopted and manipulated.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • The 70-year-old Boca Raton Museum of Art has an impressive permanent collection, thought-provoking rotating exhibits, a sculpture garden, and a design-forward gift shop with artisan gifts, contemporary home designs, jewelry, and more—perfect for unique souvenirs.
    — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
  • Rather than tiring the players out, the Conference League has given Maresca more opportunity to rotate and give everyone game time, therefore keeping fringe members happier.
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Definition of rotate
Verb
  • The 145% tariffs on China — and the 125% tariffs on the U.S. that Beijing imposed in response — hang over the entire negotiating process.
    — Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
  • Ways To Use Excess Mint If your mint has taken over the garden or shot up to 2 feet tall, here are a few ways to use up lots of mint leaves: Dry mint for teas: To dry leaves, use a dehydrator or hang small bunches tied with twine in a warm, airy room.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
Definition of hang
Verb
  • The old model of fierce independence is a luxury many can't afford during this transition.
    — AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • The leads would be played by major movie stars still in their prime, but the film’s Manson subplot afforded Tarantino and Thomas the opportunity to fill out the ensemble with their favorite up-and-comers.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 May 2025
Definition of afford

Browse Nearby Words

swineherds
swing
swinging
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on swing

Nglish: Translation of swing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All