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underthrow

verb
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un·​der·​throw | \ ˈən-dər-ˌthrō How to pronounce underthrow (audio) \
underthrew; underthrowing; underthrows

Definition of underthrow

transitive verb

: to throw (a ball or pass) short of the intended receiver in football also : to throw a pass short of underthrow a receiver

Examples of underthrow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lewerke opened the Spartans’ first possession in the third quarter by underthrowing Cody White for what would’ve been a long gain. — Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football owns the Michigan State rivalry again. And it's not close," 16 Nov. 2019 Tyler Huntley aims deeps but underthrows his receiver and throws into double coverage and Brady Brreze intercepts him in the end zone. — oregonlive, "Rewinding Oregon Ducks’ 37-15 victory against Utah Utes in Pac-12 football championship game: Live updates recap," 7 Dec. 2019 Mayfield threw awkwardly off his wrong foot, underthrowing an open receiver by a lot. — BostonGlobe.com, "Bill Belichick gave a glowing review of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield Wednesday morning.," 25 Oct. 2019 Those 50-50 balls, as coaches call them, are sometimes gambles, and better to sail them than to underthrow them for an interception. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State football mailbag: Fans air grievances about hapless offense," 7 Sep. 2019 While Trubisky has been underthrowing balls downfield in recent weeks, this was on the money and beyond Slay. — Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, "Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Bears’ 20-13 win over the Lions," 11 Nov. 2019 Then the other Drew reared his head, badly underthrowing Troy Brown. — Steve Kornacki, BostonGlobe.com, "What if Tom Brady had never stepped in for an injured Drew Bledsoe in 2001?," 12 Apr. 2018 More on Spartans: What didn’t work Lewerke struggled at times with downfield passing, either underthrowing or sailing throws to open receivers. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State solid with QB Brian Lewerke; changes coming behind him," 8 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underthrow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of underthrow

1963, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for underthrow

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The first known use of underthrow was in 1963

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Statistics for underthrow

Last Updated

10 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Underthrow.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underthrow. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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