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
Election season should be about casting your vote and making your voice heard. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Matthew Glasner cast the project. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
Tessa Thompson will receive the Spotlight Tribute for Hedda, Frankenstein will receive The Gotham Vanguard Tribute, and the cast of Sinners will receive the Ensemble Tribute at the 35th annual event. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025 The special will also feature cast interviews and behind-the-scenes moments sneak peeks. Selome Hailu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
Verb
  • The green leaves radiating from the base of each dandelion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Meteor viewing times and tips The Orionids get their name because the meteors seem to radiate from a point near the bright star Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion.
    Dean Regas, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, the Cabinet approved a package of new subsidies aimed at boosting births, including a one-time cash allowance of NT$30,000 (about US$3,320) per newborn.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • To this end, the firm leveraged its own talents and art departments for the campaigns and aims to further boost the appeal of the products by encouraging their use in models’ off-duty moments.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • You should also be prepared to replace worn hoses, especially for ranges that connect with flexible gas lines.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Enduring hunger alongside heavy, unbelievable sounds of explosions, some of the relatives sheltering in our house decided to prepare their bags and head south.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When laundry day rolls around, simply throw the durable topper in the laundry with the rest of your bedding for easy maintenance and tumble dry with no heat.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • And to be thrown into now this separation and exploding, blowing up her family this way.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While the eastern part of Arizona similarly shows a 40-50% lower than normal precipitation prediction.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • DraftKings, which has lost roughly $5 billion in market cap over the last few weeks due to the growth of prediction exchanges, is planning to launch its own futures marketplace in the coming months.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The set is available in 19 colors, including a rich clay shade ideal for autumn.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The trendy shoe was released in many skin-tone shades as part of a Nudes capsule collection released over the summer.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here’s a glance at the six teams remaining on SDSU’s schedule.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Most observers will likely just give them a cursory glance, but a pairing such as this may have made a far greater impression on ancient skywatchers.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The ethereal look involved a dazzling asymmetrical gold corset that flaunted Kardashian's curves, accented with white details, including a tulle skirt with gold embellishments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The hotel’s 142 rooms and suites are designed with a dark-wood and light-linen look—sort of Scandi meets Spanish colonial.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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