cast 1 of 2

verb

ˈkast How to pronounce cast (audio)
Definition of castnext
1
as in to radiate
to throw or give off spermaceti candles, made from whale oil, are known to cast an exceptionally bright light

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to prepare
to put (something) into proper and usually carefully worked out written form carefully cast the letter of complaint as politely as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to throw
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm cast a rock into the stream

Synonyms & Similar Words

cast

2 of 2

noun

1
as in prediction
a declaration that something will happen in the future stock market analysts offered an optimistic cast for the coming year

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance the lovely cast of the baby's features

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Some expressed concerns that the tokens could cast a negative light on Trump’s crypto efforts. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025 This 7-page reunion scene was Mosaku’s audition scene, and her chemistry read with Jordan went so well that Coogler cast her in the room. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
This moisturizing cream applies like a dream, absorbing in seconds, and doesn't leave a white cast, ever. —Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025 If the cast seems instructed to play just a tad broadly, and hit the jokes a touch to hard, and the second act runs a bit too long, well, the overzealousness does little to dampen the overall joyous vibe. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
  1. radiate
  2. aim
  3. prepare
  4. throw
  5. prediction
  6. shade
  7. glance
  8. look
Verb
  • These typically present as recurring lower abdominal pain that can radiate to the lower back.
    — Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Garden centers that can protect tender plants can tip pots over and cover them with a thick horticultural felt, which gives the plants a few degrees of protection due to the cover blocking frost and trapping some warmth radiating off the ground.
    — Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • After several years of blockbuster growth in the remodeling and design business, the White House’s erratic rollout of tariffs aimed at reshaping global trade is already taking a toll.
    — Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of jail time, Ballot Measure 110 aimed to expand addiction treatment services in a state that ranked last in such offerings nationwide, through hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue redirected from a cannabis tax and savings resulting from reductions in arrests and incarceration.
    — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Remembering how a few crucial opportunities to work on calligraphy and design at a young age prepared him for his career in film, fashion, and painting, Yi Ming hopes to open similar doors for other young artists.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In short, the US was preparing for a world with a rising demand for ever scarcer, more expensive fossil fuels, most of which would have to come from abroad.
    — Umair Irfan, Vox, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • The cherry blossom motif wallpaper, floral curtains, and throw blanket are all from Pierre Frey, while the four-poster bed is made by Porte Italia.
    — Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The collection includes more than 200 items, including a wide range of bedding, bath towels and accessories, pillows, and throw blankets.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • More Hall of Fame predictions: Will Deontay Wilder Be A Boxing Hall Of Famer? Will Regis Prograis Be A Boxing Hall Of Famer?
    — Josh Katzowitz, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • And the early prediction is that the Patriots bank on getting more out of Polk than Bourne, who will turn 30 during training camp.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • More and more designers are offering wedding looks in colorful hues to provide options for those who don’t want to stick to one shade over the course of their celebrations.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Fine details of fur and bark are clearly visible both in sunlight and under shade, with the mini-LED backlight keeping the sunny parts of the frame bright and the shadowy parts dark.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • Plotting all those passes onto the pitch may look a little messy at first glance but the maps below help underline how Pedri’s positional flexibility, adapting his game to the defensive approach of each opposing team, allows Barcelona to keep moving forward.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • At first glance, the white track top looks like a standard issue track top.
    — Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • Additionally, the sheer, buildable coverage will reduce the look of imperfections.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Watch the trailer below and see more first look photos.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of look

Phrases Containing cast

Browse Nearby Words

cassettes
cast
cast about
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on cast

Nglish: Translation of cast for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cast

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 1

Rare and Amusing Insults, Volume 3

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 1
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-with-string
Fastest Quiz Ever: Missing Link Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All