CAST Synonyms: 251 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

cast 1 of 2

verb

ˈkast

Definition of cast next

as in to radiate

to throw or give off spermaceti candles, made from whale oil, are known to cast an exceptionally bright light

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm cast a rock into the stream

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cast

2 of 2

noun

as in prediction

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

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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

achromatism

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

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

as in shape

the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance the lovely cast of the baby's features

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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

How is the word cast distinct from other similar verbs?

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

The Diesel version of the joke leaned into the absurdity of casting the action star of the Fast and Furious franchise in a family comedy. —

Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 This awkwardly hip-thrusting, hip-hop dancing man (who looks most like a yassified version of the NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere) soon casts a spell over the best friends with his dance moves. —

Chase Hutchinson, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026

Noun

The mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves directed the show with an eye toward brilliance of color and vigor of movement; Viviana Goodwin and Justin Austin led a spirited cast, with Kedrick Armstrong conducting and Damien Sneed handling the arrangements. —

Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026 The cast is expected to return for season three. —

Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast

Verb

In the Project Hail Mary universe, all life in our solar system’s sector of the Milky Way comes from an ancient ancestor of Astrophage that long ago radiated out from Tau Ceti, Weir says.

— Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
Those words — simple, dignified, and private — feel fitting for a man whose on-screen persona radiated quiet strength and unwavering principle.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026

Definition of radiate

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Style

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 23 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

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