as in throwing
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm
catapulted a pumpkin into the next yard
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Recent Examples of catapulting
Los Angeles Councilwoman Nithya Raman overtook reality TV star Spencer Pratt on Sunday evening for second place in the city’s open primary mayoral race, catapulting her to a position to face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November runoff.
—
Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026
Most actors dread a bad review, but Hannah Waddingham credits the critics for catapulting her to the next phase of her career.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 May 2026
Both Heated Rivalry and Off Campus are romances that started off under the radar before becoming instant sensations, catapulting their stars to a new level of celebrity.
—Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 22 May 2026
On Friday’s basis, Gall is comfortably the second-strongest climber in this race — catapulting himself from a podium outsider to the favourite for the runner-up spot, or perhaps even more in the case of a Vingegaard implosion.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Musk also has sketched out a futuristic vision of building AI data centers on the moon with the help of the company’s Optimus robots and catapulting them into space.
—The Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Musk also has sketched out a futuristic vision of building AI data centers on the moon with the help of the company’s Optimus robots and catapulting them into space.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The plan remains capitalizing upon the festival as a launchpad for stickiness, and catapulting movies from cult to mainstream status.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Saniya Banks began the fourth quarter with a jumper, catapulting the Bobcats into a 13-4 run.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026
Most actors dread a bad review, but Hannah Waddingham credits the critics for catapulting her to the next phase of her career.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 May 2026
Both Heated Rivalry and Off Campus are romances that started off under the radar before becoming instant sensations, catapulting their stars to a new level of celebrity.
—Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 22 May 2026
On Friday’s basis, Gall is comfortably the second-strongest climber in this race — catapulting himself from a podium outsider to the favourite for the runner-up spot, or perhaps even more in the case of a Vingegaard implosion.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Musk also has sketched out a futuristic vision of building AI data centers on the moon with the help of the company’s Optimus robots and catapulting them into space.
—The Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Musk also has sketched out a futuristic vision of building AI data centers on the moon with the help of the company’s Optimus robots and catapulting them into space.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The plan remains capitalizing upon the festival as a launchpad for stickiness, and catapulting movies from cult to mainstream status.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Saniya Banks began the fourth quarter with a jumper, catapulting the Bobcats into a 13-4 run.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catapulting
Verb
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The Predators went all in, throwing a bunch of money at MacFarland and a longer title for his business card — president of hockey operations.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
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But most of us have had a hydrangea mishap or two, possibly even throwing a dead hydrangea on the compost pile.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
Verb
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In 2017, Spanish police said a 6-year-old girl died and six other children were injured when an inflatable bouncy castle came free from its stakes and flew into the air in Caldes de Malavella, in northeastern Spain, hurling the children to the ground.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
-
Seemingly out of nowhere, people on the sidewalk joined her and started hurling objects at her.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The Cubs’ Javier Assad, by contrast, shut down the Giants’ offense for a second straight outing, tossing six scoreless innings with five strikeouts to one walk.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
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As the place’s name implies, soccer is televised, but can be overshadowed by horseracing events that leave locals tossing their betting forms in frustration.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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My summer version of Jay Gatsby flinging his silk shirts over a balcony is filling a room with dainty cotton blouses and dresses in sweet floral motifs.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
5 June 2026
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Here's Joe Biden's worst trade acquisition, Brittney Griner, flinging Angel Reese around like a rag doll to take us home.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Beyond the buzzy openings and the hottest reservations in town, the Queen City is stacked with neighborhood gems, secret speakeasies, hole-in-the-wall taquerias and even a gas station deli that’s been quietly slinging Southern classics for nearly four decades.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
4 June 2026
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Ask anyone about this craft, and Tom Cruise slinging liquor in an aloha shirt is probably what comes to mind, Husted says.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Catapulting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catapulting. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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