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
And will Adam and Seema’s fling turn into something more? —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 10 July 2025 The list of celebs that were also on the yacht included Martha Stewart, Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Kate Hudson, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Anitta, Tessa Thompson, and even Brady’s old fling Irina Shayk. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 July 2025
Verb
It's flung open the doors to its second production facility that's set up to roll out over 10,000 of its driverless four-passenger vans annually. —New Atlas, 20 June 2025 The same process could have flung 2I/Borisov out of its own star system. —Kiona N. Smith, Forbes.com, 11 July 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
  • Retail traders are on a buying spree that can keep equities marching to record highs.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 23 July 2025
  • That wound up turning into a chaotic nine-day spree of surprise shows in people’s yards, following a pop-up show on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
    — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 23 July 2025
Definition of spree
Noun
  • Investigators also discovered fire starters that had been placed under undamaged vehicles, suggesting a systematic approach to the arson attempt.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
  • An attempt to fire Powell could spark a legal battle, because the Federal Reserve is set up to function as an independent body free of political interference.
    — Rafael Nam, NPR, 22 July 2025
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • The game is played in UK English, so this could throw a little wrench into things for non-Brits.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Authorities believe Bryant is the man captured on surveillance video throwing a Molotov cocktail through the window of the building, according to an arrest affidavit cited by the Denver Post and Colorado Public Radio (CPR).
    — Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Winner of the Tony for Best Musical among a raft of prestigious awards, the diabolically funny romp was based on a novel by Roy Horniman.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2025
  • McConnell finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals in 24 minutes of Indiana’s 108-91 Game 6 romp of OKC.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Definition of romp
Noun
  • Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has announced his bid for Arizona's 2nd congressional district, making a second try at winning the seat.
    — Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
  • The restaurant’s affordability, paired with the familiar fast-casual ordering concept, offers a low-stakes way for people who may not be familiar with Korean food to give it a try.
    — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of try
Noun
  • All consular and diplomatic affairs related to the country are instead handled through the Indian Embassy in Djibouti, across the Red Sea.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • The bar is a buzzy and boozy affair from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, where guests and locals gather in a ritualistic ceremony to visit and try some of the clever cocktails (like the Tropical Storm and Drunken Pimento) for which Ooshan has become known.
    — Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of affair
Verb
  • Videos posted on social media showed men dressed in clothes bearing far-right symbols and migrants carrying Moroccan flags hurling objects at each other in Saturday night’s violence, which followed several days of lower intensity unrest.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
  • There were vocal protesters hurling insults and sometimes water bottles at federal agents, and there were anxious friends and family of those who work at Glass House, a huge cannabis operation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of hurl
Noun
  • In Europe, this member of the family Alaudidae is called a shore lark, because it is found in wintertime along the seashores.
    — Matt Kracht, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • That colossal production, which involved the construction of villages in which to film and the onscreen involvement of the host country’s armed forces, began as a lark and turned into an albatross.
    — Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 27 June 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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