swish 1 of 3

1
as in whistle
a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the steady swish of the windshield wipers

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2
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

1
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

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2

swish

3 of 3

adjective

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
Swish swish sounds like it is written by 8 yr old kid or Donald Trump. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 May 2017 In a hurricane, those waves can come in quick, short bursts as powerful thunderstorms around the storm’s eye wall swish air up and down like a plunger in a toilet bowl. Jenny Staletovich, miamiherald, 17 May 2017
Verb
This will swish the eye wash in and around your eye, thoroughly cleaning it of any debris. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025 At one point, Golden State held a 17-point lead after a Kate Martin swished a 3 from the top of the key. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
Guests get to enjoy not one, but two different restaurant cars and two lounges, plus a swish private club, each designed to have their own character and specific ambience. Marianna Cerini, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2023 Co-produced by Spain’s RTVE and TV3 with Sweden’s SVT, Germany’s NDR and Finland’s YLE, the eight-part comedy is set in a swish upper middle-class community in the placid hills outside Barcelona. Liza Foreman, Variety, 18 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for swish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swish
Noun
  • Frustrations from the game boiled over after the final whistle with a confrontation between Pedro and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and manager Luis Enrique.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • That's not a dog whistle, that's a training whistle.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Underneath the slab of ribs is a flap of meat called the skirt, which is also trimmed off.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 July 2025
  • The soft style — shaped as a croissant with a rounded handle and signature secret pockets under the flap to hold essentials, such as lipstick, sunglasses, cash and a smartphone — made a return for fall 2025 as part of the collection that marked the Roman fashion house’s centennial this year.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • At one point during the proceedings, Bryant threatened to clear the courtroom after one spectator hissed in disapproval and several others laughed at Hausmann’s assertion that the city had violated the company’s due process rights.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
  • Warning signs a skunk is ready to spray include jumping, stamping their front feet, arching their back, clicking teeth, and hissing.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Your words were steady, steeped in the old stories, but my eyes flicked to the window, unafraid.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
  • Superman is more conventional than Gunn’s Guardians flicks, or even his DC outings The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, yet he’s carried over the unhinged, off-kilter fun of those films.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The post included an adorable shot of Baby Boy looking straight at the camera while showing off a stylish Louis Vuitton leash, as well as a video of the little dude snuggled up on Snoop’s lap and chewing on the rapper’s Death Row jacket.
    Anna Chan, Billboard, 7 July 2025
  • Combining sophisticated calf leather with the brand’s signature canvas, the bag is effortlessly stylish and functional.
    Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Add the agave and use a whisk to combine everything.
    Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 5 July 2025
  • The dial on this tilt-head mixer has 12 speeds to choose from, comes with the basic three attachments (paddle, dough hook, and whisk), and has a splash guard to save on flour spray.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • When Bacho moves in to make a move, Sakamoto swings a stock pot at Bacho's head, rendering him unconscious.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • But when the opportunity presented itself to purchase the building block, Batchelor swung at the chance.
    Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the snap, the mother-of-two looked as fashionable as ever, this time styling the supportive shoes with a navy linen mini dress and gold jewelry.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Shop the best markdowns of fashionable favorites such as Favorite Daughter best-selling trouser, Rag & Bone’s capri pants and By Malene Birger’s knitted skirt.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swish. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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