Skip to main content
switch

switch

153 3.2
A change from one thing or person to another
  • noun
  • /swɪtʃ/
translation icon : cambio
  • Only in Medicare is the switch from traditional fee-for-service medicine to managed care truly voluntary.
  • make the switch
  • code-switching
  • fuel switching

When I made the switch from brunette to blonde.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • "I didn't make the switch," I said, hoping my voice didn't waver too much.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • During the meeting, we discussed the switch from traditional marketing methods to digital strategies.

  • How significant is this switch from talk of "two ways" to talk of "three ways"?

    Academic text (2017)
  • If the entire industry made the switch, it would avoid confusion and costly mistakes.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The company is contemplating a switch to fish production should shrimp prices dip lower.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The team's last-minute switch of players led them to victory in the final match.

  • The quick switch from winter to summer clothing surprised everyone at the store.

Synonyms

shift
vsswitch
363 3.5

A change in place, position, or focus

is about substituting or exchanging items or people rather than general movement
replacement
vsswitch
104 2.3

The act of putting a new thing in place of an old one

is about changing or exchanging items or people, not only restoring or refilling
substitution
vsswitch
38 3.5

To replace one thing or person with another

is broader, covering changes and exchanges beyond simple one for one swaps
switcheroo
vsswitch
  • Slang
9 9.5

A sudden swap that surprises and tricks people

is a general act of change or exchange, not necessarily sudden or deceptive
changeover
vsswitch
8 4.1

The process of moving from one system or state to another

is more general for any act of change, exchange, or substitution
switching
vsswitch
3 2.8

A change from one thing to another

is about events of change, exchange, or replacement across varied contexts
permutation
vsswitch
1 7.6

The act of replacing one thing with another

is about an act or event of changing rather than a prolonged process
switchover
vsswitch
1 3.7

A change from one system to another

is a general act or event of change, exchange, or substitution in many contexts
commutation
vsswitch
1 7.4

To replace one thing or person with another

is more general, covering many kinds of change beyond direct swaps
transposition
vsswitch
1 7.3

Changing the order or position of things, for example swapping letters

is broader, covering any change or exchange not limited to order changes
supplantation
vsswitch
  • Formal
9.6

An action that replaces a person or thing, often by force

is about changing or exchanging without implying force or strategic takeover

Idioms

3 8.7

When you should be paying attention, you miss important things

9.9

To suddenly become very angry and behave in a mean way

9.9

To suddenly become very angry and act aggressive

Compounds

A sales trick that advertises a low price then sells a more expensive item

ignition switch
  • Specialized
4 3.5

A switch in a car that starts the engine

3 6.8

A baseball player who bats both right-handed and left-handed

A control that turns a device on or off

A control that turns power to a device on or off

toggle switch
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A small lever you move to turn electric power on or off

DIP switch
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A small group of tiny manual controls on electronic devices that set options

A device that connects and cuts the flow of electricity to turn a light or machine on and off

A control you move to choose a setting on a machine

1 9.9

An informal term for a person who is sexually attracted to both men and women

9.9

A sudden change to mean, angry actions after something upsets someone

blab-off switch
  • Informal
9.9

A button you press to stop someone from talking too much

7.4

A small row of tiny switches on a computer board used to set hardware options

A small device on a wall that turns electricity on and off

switch grass
  • Specialized
6.0

A tall North American grass that farmers cut for hay and to prevent soil erosion

switch cane
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall grass that grows in wet places in the southern United States

switch engine
  • Specialized
6.6

A small vehicle that moves train cars inside a rail yard

9.9

A quickly growing bush that stays green all year with arching crossed branches and white flower clusters

three-point switch
  • Specialized
5.5

A device with three wires that lets you turn lights on or off from two places

three-way switch
  • Specialized
5.5

A device that lets you turn a light on or off from two different places

time-switch
  • Specialized
4.2

A switch that turns a device on or off at a set time

toggle switch
  • Specialized
3.5

A control you press to turn a setting on or off

How Complete

substitution
38 3.5
switch
153 3.2
shift
363 3.5
change
1.1

Surface Forms

switch singular
switches plural

Etymology

A switch meaning a change or exchange comes from the old idea of a quick move (like flicking a twig), so a switch is simply a change or swap from one thing, position, or person to another.