cast 1 of 2

1
2
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal cast her eyes skyward for signs of the rescue plane

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

cast

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in shade
a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished the walls had a slight yellowish cast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in glance
an instance of looking especially briefly a mischievous cast in his eye when we asked what our destination would be

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling his face took on a somewhat sad cast when we asked how his ill wife was faring

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cast distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of cast are fling, hurl, pitch, sling, throw, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When might fling be a better fit than cast?

While in some cases nearly identical to cast, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When can hurl be used instead of cast?

The words hurl and cast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

When would pitch be a good substitute for cast?

The words pitch and cast can be used in similar contexts, but pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

Where would sling be a reasonable alternative to cast?

Although the words sling and cast have much in common, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When is it sensible to use throw instead of cast?

The meanings of throw and cast largely overlap; however, 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 toss take the place of cast?

While the synonyms toss and cast are close in meaning, 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 cast
Verb
What was the process like for you, casting a film versus casting for photo shoots? Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025 Lourd was cast as Lieutenant Connix, a member of the Resistance serving under General Leia Organa, played by her mom. Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan’s unforgettable turn as villain Gabbar Singh. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 June 2025 Launched in 1987, Street Fighter is a series of fighting games revolving around intense one-on-one battles between a diverse cast of martial artists. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
Verb
  • Dealing with rage wouldn’t seem the term most applicable to Estévez, who is as amiable and animated as anyone in the Royals’ clubhouse and radiates a room-energizing presence.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
  • The panoramic terrace creates visual continuity between interior and exterior, while the club’s signature infinity pool radiates notes of color and joy, like an echo to the location’s musical appeal.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Khamenei’s remarks appeared aimed more at projecting strength than reflecting reality.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • Treatments like vitamin IVs, stem cell therapies, and myriad biometric tests aimed at creating individualized treatments are now par for the course at top resorts worldwide.
    Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • This area is fairly rugged, so be prepared for a hike and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • So, the National Weather Service has been working closely with FIFA’s safety and security chief to develop plans for all 11 U.S. cities preparing to host World Cup games next year.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Ohtani recorded two strikeouts while throwing 18 pitches, allowing his only baserunner on an error when Mookie Betts dropped a popup in the sun.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham threw a jab at the WNBA and its referees Saturday.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The problem is that making these predictions accurately is difficult.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Only time will tell if Jeremiah's prediction is correct, but one thing is for sure: Wilson would have to thrive in order to keep fans from pounding the table for Dart to start.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The Nosferatu actor, 35, shocked fans by ditching his signature dark brown hair for a brighter, much bolder shade.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • Dressing to the season is one idea: Linen does well at summertime events, autumnal shades and layers thrive in fall, velvets can warm up winter’s frosty chill, and floral prints in pastel colors emphasize spring’s budding blossoms.
    Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • At first glance, this approach may seem both logical and inevitable in a world increasingly shaped by generative AI and automation.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • How Durant will fit in Houston At first glance, Durant looks like a hand-in-glove fit for a team that struggled offensively at times last season, especially in the halfcourt — deficiencies that were exposed by a veteran Warriors team in the first round of the playoffs.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • To me, Kelli flip-flopping on Brit this late in the game has a whiff of convenience, as if Kelli knew aligning herself with Brit amidst the Kenya controversy wasn’t a good look.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 23 June 2025
  • Here's a look at some of the celebrities mentioned in court as the prosecution prepares to wrap up their case.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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