swoop
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for swoop, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To dive or sweep downward suddenly through the air.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
pounce
swoop up
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To dive or sweep downward suddenly through the air.
“The falcon swooped down and snatched the mouse in one motion.”
Opposites
2. noun
The act of swooping; a sudden downward or sweeping movement.
“In one swoop, the seagull grabbed the chip from his hand.”
How to use swoop
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
swoop down
in one swoop
swoop in
Etymology
From Old English swāpan, "to sweep" — the same root that gave us the word sweep itself.
Full origin of swoop →Frequently asked questions
What does “swoop” mean?
The word “swoop” means to dive or sweep downward suddenly through the air. In plain terms, a sudden, sweeping dive or attacking movement, usually downward.
How do you pronounce “swoop”?
“Swoop” is pronounced SWOOP (/ˈswuːp/ in IPA).
How do you use “swoop” in a sentence?
Here is “swoop” used in a sentence: “The falcon swooped down and snatched the mouse in one motion.”
What part of speech is “swoop”?
Depending on how it is used, “swoop” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “swoop” come from?
The word “swoop” comes from Old English. From Old English swāpan, "to sweep" — the same root that gave us the word sweep itself.
Is “swoop” a common word?
“Swoop” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “swoop” have?
“Swoop” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to dive or sweep downward suddenly through the air.
Related words
one fell swoop
