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
Newsom has cast himself as a leading rival to President Donald Trump amid his second term in office. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 Our Founders cast a vision for a nation, driven by democratic principles, not monarchy. Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025
Noun
Keep reading: Now, watch the cast of A Minecraft Movie react to TikTok trends: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 July 2025 The clips include one-on-one interviews with the cast members, many of whom were teenagers at the time, describing their characters. Rance Collins, IndieWire, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
Verb
  • Dealing with rage wouldn’t seem the term most applicable to Estévez, who is as amiable and animated as anyone in the Royals’ clubhouse and radiates a room-energizing presence.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
  • The panoramic terrace creates visual continuity between interior and exterior, while the club’s signature infinity pool radiates notes of color and joy, like an echo to the location’s musical appeal.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The city aims to partner with an expert nonprofit to manage the shelter, while holding on to it long term.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • While typically utilized for high-end formalwear, this line aims to revolutionize both technical luxury and fine wool.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Drink it in the sun to refresh while preparing, use it in your recipes to caramelize or sweeten and pair it to help your tongue handle when there’s a lot going on.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • This month, especially when Saturn prepares to exit your sign and enter Aries on May 24, you will be asked to confront the internal narratives that no longer serve you.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • However, if Lillard is planning to sign with a team this year and wants to land more than the minimum, that throws a wrench into the larger free-agent landscape.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • And most recently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg went so far as to throw cold water on the entire higher education system, saying college is no longer needed to land a role in the current market.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The problem is that making these predictions accurately is difficult.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Ebadi made the prediction as a tenuous ceasefire appeared to be holding.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Pulling down the shades during the day can prevent the house from heating up, added Marottoli.
    Julia Ries, Health, 26 June 2025
  • Dressing to the season is one idea: Linen does well at summertime events, autumnal shades and layers thrive in fall, velvets can warm up winter’s frosty chill, and floral prints in pastel colors emphasize spring’s budding blossoms.
    Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • At first glance, the 4.92 runs per game the Red Sox have scored places them along the MLB elite, ranking sixth overall.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • At first glance, the idea of zoning seems reasonable enough: Factories that emit toxic pollutants should probably be kept away from residential areas, for example.
    Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • For an increasing number of companies, reasoning models (AI that thinks through problems rather than just following commands) are making traditional prospecting look as outdated as a Rolodex.
    Aditya Lahiri, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Electric Spark: The Enigma of Dame Muriel is a close, fond look at the ultimate writer’s writer’s early life and process.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on 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!