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cast

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of cast

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to throw or give off

spermaceti candles, made from whale oil, are known to cast an exceptionally bright light

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2 to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal

cast her eyes skyward for signs of the rescue plane

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sight

bear,
face

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3 to put (something) into proper and usually carefully worked out written form

carefully cast the letter of complaint as politely as possible

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Phrases Synonymous with cast

put together

4 to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm

cast a rock into the stream

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Phrases Synonymous with cast

let fly

cast

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of cast (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a declaration that something will happen in the future

stock market analysts offered an optimistic cast for the coming year

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foresight

2 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

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achromatism

3 an instance of looking especially briefly

a mischievous cast in his eye when we asked what our destination would be

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side-glance

coup d'oeil

4 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

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grin,
smile

5 the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance

the lovely cast of the baby's features

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Near Antonyms for cast

Frequently Asked Questions About cast

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