1
as in deviates
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 turns
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 handles
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 rotates
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 hangs
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 affords
to have enough money for
I don't think that we can swing that hefty a mortgage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of swings
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2025
Greg Presto, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026
When the rudder is put over, the stern swings out first, so that if the vessel is in restricted waters, trying to avoid something ahead can result in hitting something behind.
—New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026
On Paul George’s early closeout, Anunoby swings the ball to Miles McBride, target-practice for a knockdown shooter in yet another breakout season in New York.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
Bar Tab Taran Dugal swings with a ten-piece jazz band.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026
July trots out Uni/Illumination’s Minions 3, then Dis’ live-action Moana and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey from Uni — and at the end of the month, Spidey swings in with Brand New Day from Sony/Marvel.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
Overdo it, and your hair swings in the opposite direction, becoming stiff, rough, and brittle.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025
As the kettlebell swings forward, quickly thrust your hips and stand up.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 30 Dec. 2025
Being open and honest with your partner and friends when Uranus swings into Gemini on August 25th can help create a better dynamic and ease your daily stresses.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 26 Dec. 2025
Noun
Head to any tennis court to try to get some swings in and one’s sure to see plenty of people playing pickleball, a combination of badminton, ping pong and tennis that sees players swing small paddles on a short court.
—Verb
Forcefully thrust your hips forward to return to standing so that the bell swings up in front of you.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for swings
Noun
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Even more dangerous are sudden movements in such instances.—
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Resisting Europe’s current trajectories through supporting patriotic European movements aims to restore civilizational confidence and true alliance vitality.—
Noun
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Not because the moms themselves are toxic people, but because the dynamic shifts into an ugly place with mean-girl behavior.—
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The radical shifts in France — regicide, the Committee of Public Safety’s terror, and expansionist campaigns — dissolved the moral and practical basis for the alliance.—
Verb
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The director's take deviates from Shelley's in its emphasis on forgiveness.—
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The Disney performance, which typically runs on weekdays, deviates from the religious overtunes.—
Verb
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
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And in the fall, when the air turns crisp and the fields turn orange, this unassuming little town reminds visitors that sometimes, the most unique places grow from the simplest seeds (pun intended).—
Verb
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Eric handles the role of the older Simms, while Finn plays the character in flashback scenes — including a jarring opening sequence of him in action.—
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Kaufmann was first elected to the Iowa House in 2012 and previously served as the chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which handles tax policy.—
Verb
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Adley, who at Marigold rotates dishes regularly, is enticing diners to Heretik with a chicken operation and shellfish, oysters and sea urchins.—
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This is because the Sun rotates once every 28 days.—
Verb
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But the Bulls also can’t win with his current rim protection — a futility that hangs over the veteran in every game.—
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The chef’s kitchen sits just opposite a more casual bar, and a fanciful lighting fixture hangs over the dining table.—
Verb
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These days, no one affords anyone patience.—
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Qatar’s economic footprint in the Palmetto State no doubt affords it a degree of influence over the politicians who represent it.—
Cite this Entry
“Swings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swings. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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