THROW Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'throw' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of throw are cast , fling , hurl , pitch , sling , and toss . While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm. // can throw a fastball and a curve

Q: In what contexts can 'cast' take the place of 'throw'?

The synonyms cast and throw are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering. // cast it to the winds

Q: Where would 'fling' be a reasonable alternative to 'throw'?

While the synonyms fling and throw are close in meaning, fling stresses a violent throwing. // flung the ring back in his face

Q: When could 'hurl' be used to replace 'throw'?

The meanings of hurl and throw largely overlap; however, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight. // hurled himself at the intruder

Q: When would 'pitch' be a good substitute for 'throw'?

The words pitch and throw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target. // pitch horseshoes

Q: When can 'sling' be used instead of 'throw'?

In some situations, the words sling and throw are roughly equivalent. However, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim. // slung the bag over his shoulder

Q: When might 'toss' be a better fit than 'throw'?

Although the words toss and throw have much in common, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion. // tossed the coat on the bed

throw 1 of 2

verb

ˈthrō

Definition of throw

as in to toss

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm threw a life preserver to the drowning man

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as in to drop

to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally the attacker threw his victim to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

throw

2 of 2

noun

as in chance

a risky undertaking a desperate throw, that could jump-start his presidential campaign or end it right there

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sure thing

Synonym Chooser

How is the word throw distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of throw are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, sling, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm.

can throw a fastball and a curve

In what contexts can cast take the place of throw?

The synonyms cast and throw are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

Where would fling be a reasonable alternative to throw?

While the synonyms fling and throw are close in meaning, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When could hurl be used to replace throw?

The meanings of hurl and throw largely overlap; however, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

When would pitch be a good substitute for throw?

The words pitch and throw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can sling be used instead of throw?

In some situations, the words sling and throw are roughly equivalent. However, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When might toss be a better fit than throw?

Although the words toss and throw have much in common, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of throw

Verb

As Annie was apologizing, the woman with the curls took the bottle from her hand and threw it back anyway. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Instead, the receiver turned around and threw it back to Hayes, who had five offensive linemen that needed to block one defender. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Noun

It was left dormant a year ago, when Mahomes graded 26th among 27 qualifying quarterbacks on throws of 20-plus yards beyond the line of scrimmage, per PFF data. — Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 Pendleton Eco-Wise Virgin Wool Blanket Both maximalists and minimalists trying to incorporate more color into their surroundings can get behind this striped throw. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for throw

Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw

Verb

That woman was truly unbothered, a term tossed around online, but the literal act of not being bothered is impossible for most people beyond the quirkiest, like my onetime neighbor, or maybe Fran Lebowitz.

— Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026
After a promising start to the potential game-tying drive in the extra frame, Tagovailoa would toss an interception to Baltimore All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to seal Atlanta's fate.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of toss

Verb

Amtrak offers a stop outside the State Fair each fall, and this year the train service will drop people off there five times a day, rather than four times as in previous years.

— Eva Flowe October 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
This album is not afraid of its own agonizing lows or tethered to a toe-tapping dance-pop initiative; reveling in this ever-molting freedom, Sivan drops what is easily his finest collection of songs to date.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of drop

Verb

Several Palestinians suspected of hurling rocks were apprehended for questioning, the military said in a statement.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
Solitary confinement is frequently used as a punishment, and officers hurl verbal abuse and threats of physical abuse at detainees, attorneys wrote.

— Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurl

Verb

The storm flattened a boathouse in Destin and ripped away part of the facade of a high-rise in Panama City Beach.

— Emilie Megnien, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Fruits of the plant are flattened pods that are green and soft when young but papery, dry, and brown when mature.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of flatten

Noun

The gamble failed, as Indiana forced an incompletion and took over on downs, despite Nebraska still having two timeouts and the two-minute warning.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Wife kept in the dark about a financial gamble that could wipe them out?

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of gamble

Noun

Kim points to a conglomerate in India, broadcaster joint ventures in Thailand, mining companies in Mongolia and a beverage brand in China, all of which are backing films.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
But hey, isn’t that what new business ventures are supposed to do in Silicon Valley?

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of venture

Cite this Entry

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“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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