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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 venture

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples of throw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Learn tips from master taster Peggy Noe Stevens on how throw a great party. —

Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 24 Sep. 2024 One of the videos featured the rapper on Late Night with Conan O’Brien from 2002, where Combs detailed how to throw a great party. —

Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 24 Sep. 2024

Noun

Find it on Amazon Throw Covers With Polka Dots Add a vintage twist to your living space with these throw covers that have a polka dot design. —

Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2024 Allen has passed for 371 yards and three touchdowns without an interception while completing 78 percent of his throws. —

Jack Magruder, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for throw

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'throw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.