Synonyms for

Swat

Verb / swɑ:t / Another word for swat — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to hit or strike with a quick motion

Synonyms & similar words

slap smack whack hit beat pound bash bang tap thump strike knock punch spank clap thwack chop smash thud crack

Synonyms by register

Formal

strike hit smite assail

Informal

whack smack belt wallop bop

Literary

flick rap buffet

Antonyms

caress stroke pat tickle nuzzle fondle

Common collocations

  • swat a fly
  • swat a mosquito
  • swat the ball
  • swat a bug
  • swat a wasp
  • swat a bee

Word family

noun swat
verb swat

Usage note

Primarily used for a quick, sharp blow, often to hit an insect. Can also refer to hitting a ball, especially in sports like baseball or tennis.

Example sentences

  1. I swatted the mosquito on my arm.
  2. She swatted the ball with the tennis racket.
  3. He swatted the fly with a rolled-up newspaper.
  4. Mom told me to swat the spider with a shoe.
  5. The cat tried to swat the toy mouse.

Quotes

  • "Swatting down a fly is a violent act, and I don't like violence." - Neil deGrasse Tyson
  • "I had to swat so many insects, I felt like I was in a low-budget horror movie." - Terri Guillemets
  • "I was on my own swat team from 13 years old." - Steve Kanaly

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