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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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3
as in glance
an instance of looking especially briefly a mischievous cast in his eye when we asked what our destination would be

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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

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5
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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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
Thankfully, these aren't the nests of some colossal moon-dwelling arachnids, but streaks of bright material cast across the lunar surface by the violent impacts that created the bright young craters. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Hilton doesn’t engage in voter fraud allegations Federal authorities this week charged 28 people in California with illegally registering and casting ballots as part of a broader fight to exert more control over elections, which are run by states. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
Written by Omani filmmaker, writer and actor Dalila Al-Dar’iya, the 12-15 minute narrative short is in development, with initial approaches made to potential cast members. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026 Some people are always tied together in people’s collective memories, and the cast of Friends is one such group. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Oct. 2026 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 antenna’s radiating surface would face downward, with a protective cover following the wing’s external contours.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • And then there’s an energetic quality, at times radiating light and other times shining it—with or without pulsing strobes—on others.
    — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • By increasing its manufacturing capacity, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver advanced systems to customers.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The florist, which aims to open in late November, will specialize in seasonal floral arrangements and specialty bouquets.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • In crowded Chaweng Beach, this 26-room hotel’s high style attracts a stream of beachcombers (prepare to show your key to the hotel gatekeeper).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The United States has starting making arrangements to prepare its key bases to operate for at least 3 months without outside support.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • Every move made by one voice of the piano is orchestrated to cast some new light or shadow on the others; one false note would throw the elegant balance out of whack.
    — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
  • With 13 seconds left and third down at the Braves’ 12, Guess threw the ball up toward the end zone and Brown, his best friend since the age of 6, caught it for a touchdown.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of throw
Noun
  • The model uses a World Reasoning Action Model (WRAM) architecture that connects reasoning, prediction and physical action, allowing robots to interpret instructions, anticipate outcomes and translate decisions into movements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Forecasters caution, however, that these predictions are just that, predictions.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • The pumps’ uppers and heel counter are built from a combination of semi-sheer tulle and lustrous satin in a dainty powder pink shade.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The hogs benefit from the shade in the paddocks, though the ranch also creates wallows for cooling mud baths that also provide sun protection.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of shade
Noun
  • At first glance, people weren’t sure if the photos were of West or Kardashian.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • At first glance, their already tight kinship, and all their many overlapping businesses, suggest that a new SpaceX-Tesla makes sense.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of glance
Noun
  • There was even an implementation of a new look with offensive tackle Broderick Jones lining up outside of tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford for two run plays that resulted in 20 yards.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • This is a tidy and attractive bike, with a lot of the cabling internally routed to keep the look nice and clean.
    — Loz Blain October 26, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of look

Phrases Containing cast

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cassettes
cast
cast about
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Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cast

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cast

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