switch

1 of 2verb

/swɪtʃ/

Forms:switches,switching,switched,switched

to change from one thing, such as a task, major, conversation topic, job, etc. to a completely different one

After completing the morning meeting, she decided to switch tasks and focus on a different project.
Students often switch majors during their college years to explore different fields of study.
During the conversation, they decided to switch topics to something more lighthearted.
She used to be a waitress before switching to law.
I switched jobs last year for better opportunities.

Synonyms:

to swap one thing with another

In the recipe, you can switch butter for margarine if needed.
She switched her regular coffee for a green tea to reduce caffeine intake.
He switched his old smartphone for the latest model with enhanced features.
The company switched its office furniture for ergonomic chairs and standing desks to promote better posture.
The chef switched the main course on the menu for a seasonal dish featuring local produce.

Synonyms:

to exchange or shift one item with another

transitive

The siblings decided to switch their bedrooms, exchanging furniture and decor to create a fresh look.
The teacher asked the students to switch their textbooks with a partner, allowing them to review each other's notes.
In the office, employees switched their desks for a day as part of a team-building exercise.
The actors decided to switch roles for the final rehearsal, allowing each one to experience the other's character firsthand.

Synonyms:

to use a flexible rod or twig to deliver a light strike

transitive

As a disciplinary measure, the teacher threatened to switch the students if they continued misbehaving.
In the old days, parents would switch their children lightly on the hand as a form of discipline.
He switched the horse on the flank to urge it forward during the race.
The farmer switched the cows with a twig to move them from one pasture to another.
She switched her dog lightly when it tried to chase after a squirrel.