SWISH Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

swish 1 of 3

noun

Definition of swish

as in whistle

a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the steady swish of the windshield wipers

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as in flap

a quick jerky movement from side to side or up and down the mare brushed away the flies with a sweeping swish of her tail

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swish

2 of 3

verb

ˈswish

as in to hiss

to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ with their satin costumes swishing, the little ballerinas chasséd onto the stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to flick

to move from side to side or up and down with quick jerky motions the horse's tail swishes after every jump

Synonyms & Similar Words

swish

3 of 3

adjective

as in stylish

being in the latest or current fashion a trendy boutique filled with swish accessories for the urban fashionista

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 swish

Noun

Wipe toothpaste splatters from the mirror, run a cloth over the counters, and give the toilet bowl a quick swish. — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026 When Enskat moves, sound designer Torben Kärst follows each rigorous swish of her cane and each brutal, balletic step (clop-CLOP, clop-CLOP). — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Verb

Squirt some disinfectant into the bowl and swish it around with the toilet brush, then flush. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026 Waiters swished past with little pots of lemon sorbet and glasses of Sprankel, a sparkling wine from Babylonstoren, Roos and Bekker’s farm and hotel in South Africa’s Franschhoek wine valley. — Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026

Adjective

Thankfully, the silhouette is the epitome of trendy, offering a versatile design that includes a side swish, contrasting textiles, and bold colors. — Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 7 July 2026 Biarritz was once the residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, who helped convert Europe’s calm seaside city into a swish summer retreat for royalty. — Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish

Noun

Viel was looking to create a spark, first with a hard forecheck behind the Philadelphia net, then with some elbows after the whistle in front of it.

— Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
The films about them have in turn evolved from coming-of-age stories and stylish bio-pics into whistle-blower dramas and dark thrillers.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of whistle

Noun

The flap is just the latest flight of fancy bringing bird decor into the design discourse.

— Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
The Note—a compact version of the company’s much larger flagship product—launched in February, and can display personal messages, weather, stock prices, Spotify songs, and hundreds of other options via 2,880 mesmerizing flaps controlled via an app.

— Derek Rose, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of flap

Verb

In the first week of the COVID shutdown, Holmes packed her two hissing black cats, donned an N95 mask and flew to LAX.

— Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
This step is what brought us here, to Ponysaurus, filling out the online notice to the tune of a hissing compressor that kept clean air moving through the brewing system.

— Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of hiss

Verb

Instamall plans to keep adding brands, but it is already hooked into the inventory systems of its existing partners, so expanding the service to new cities could be as easy as flicking a switch.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Suarez fought off an Atlanta defender to reach the ball in the box and flicked a lofted cross toward Berterame.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of flick

Adjective

This fully electric, ultra-compact quadricycle is designed for short urban trips—like zipping down to the shops in a golf cart, but more stylish—offering a simpler alternative to traditional cars.

— Lauryn Higgins, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
In 2025, The Jay hotel in San Francisco teamed up with The Namesake, transforming a section of The Jay’s stylish Third Floor into an exclusive design studio.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of stylish

Noun

Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt and whisk vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, until the mixture thickens and lightens in color.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together 3 cups flour and 1 1/2 tsp.

— Hali Bey Ramdene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of whisk

Browse Nearby Words

swirly

swish

swished

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of swish

noun

verb

adjective

Example Sentences

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