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
Advertisement Vance repeatedly cast Democrats as at fault for the shutdown. —Brian Bennett, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 Making Parker livelier meant a few things, starting with casting Mark Wahlberg as the brutal thief. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
Others in the cast include Brian Cox, Marisa Coughlan, Nat Faxon, Chace Crawford, Andrew Dismukes, Hannah Simone, and Iqbal Theba. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025 After Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong were eliminated in week 3 of DWTS, fans noticed an awkward moment while the cast gathered on the dance floor to say goodbye. —Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 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
  • The sting from the loss radiated off of him during his postgame news conference.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The woman was visibly trembling and radiated the metallic scent of tequila.
    — Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • This is a sister organization to the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind Project 2025—a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government by expanding presidential power, dismantling parts of the civil service, and rolling back regulations across agencies.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • China's Tianwen 3 mission aims to launch in late 2028 and return Mars material to Earth in 2031.
    — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • A week ago, the Boston Red Sox were preparing for their first trip to the postseason in four years.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Participants will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking and how to prepare various recipes, some that include wild game meat.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • Lawrence threw a long pass that went off the hands of Jaguars receiver Tim Patrick, then deflected off Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Pinned inside their own 20-yard line, Lawrence threw a short pass intended for receiver Parker Washington.
    — The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • This prediction hitting will depend in part on whether the Penguins, or a team in their position, likes the best of the Leafs’ future goodies in a Rust-like transaction.
    — Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But, contrary to Cole’s predictions, the forests weren’t gone forever.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • Our Matte Black Metal Candle Warmer Lamp features a modern black shade with a gold-tone accent, adding elegance to any space.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
  • With metallic outfits and coordinating accessories, including silver hooped earrings, sparkling necklaces, super-cool shades, silver heels, and a beaded purse, Barbie Deluxe’s look is one that reigns supreme.
    — Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • Larger Leaves, Larger Fenestrations At first glance, Monstera 'Esqueleto' doesn’t appear much different from Monstera adansonii, or even the ultra-rare and highly sought after Monstera obliqua.
    — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The uniform jacket was custom-made but lacked functional chest pockets to prevent unwanted glances when using a notebook and pen.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Chic Classic Collection Stretch Pull-On Pant For moms who love a straight-leg look, these stretchy legging jeans are perfect for work, events, and beyond.
    — Laura Lu, Parents, 8 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 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'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words
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 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?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
vintage ad illustration of a smiling woman
Brand Name Vocabulary Quiz You’re gonna need some moxie to ace this quiz
See All