sway

[sweɪ]

sway Definition

  • 1move or cause to move slowly or rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side
  • 2influence or cause to change one's opinion or stance

Using sway: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sway" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The trees swayed in the wind.

  • Example

    She was swaying to the music.

  • Example

    His argument swayed the jury.

  • Example

    I was not swayed by his promises.

sway Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sway

Antonyms for sway

Idioms Using sway

  • hold/sway the balance

    be the deciding factor in a situation

    Example

    The swing states hold the balance in the upcoming election.

  • sway the crowd

    persuade or influence a large group of people

    Example

    The charismatic speaker swayed the crowd with his powerful speech.

  • move slowly and rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side

    Example

    The hammock swayed back and forth in the breeze.

Phrases with sway

  • have great power or influence over a particular person, group, or domain

    Example

    The CEO holds sway over the company's policies and decisions.

  • sway to someone's tune

    to do what someone else wants you to do

    Example

    He always sways to his boss's tune, even if he disagrees with him.

  • a component of an automobile suspension system that helps reduce body roll and improve handling

    Example

    The mechanic recommended installing a sway bar to improve the car's stability.

Origins of sway

from Old Norse 'sveigja', meaning 'to bend'

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Summary: sway in Brief

The verb 'sway' [sweɪ] means to move slowly or rhythmically back and forth or from side to side, as in 'The trees swayed in the wind.' It can also mean to influence or cause to change one's opinion or stance, as in 'His argument swayed the jury.' 'Sway' extends into phrases like 'hold sway,' and idioms like 'sway the crowd,' denoting the power of influence.