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
This puts us at nearly 30 inches of snow this winter, catapulting 2025-2026 into the top 20 snowiest winters on record in Philadelphia and the snowiest since 2013-2014.
—
Bill Kelly, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
The group – which touts itself as a pagan collective that worships Norse gods – also took credit for originally catapulting Springfield onto the national stage by amplifying ugly memes about the Haitians.
—Caitlin Hu, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
In 2014, Rosso brought on British fashion star John Galliano, who logged an eventful decade at the house, catapulting its global notoriety and fashion credentials.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The past 20 years of research devoted to RNA modifications has led to what scientists have called an RNA Renaissance, catapulting RNA to become one of the most attractive macromolecules to study and use as vaccines and medicines.
—Marlene Belfort, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
In the decade to 2023, LNG imports rose by 70% catapulting it to the position of the world’s fourth-largest importer.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The company has played a hand in catapulting 18 sitting Fortune 500 CEOs, and 28 globally, to the top job, according to a 2025 analysis from Fortune editor Ruth Umoh.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026
With her buzzy role as the socialite and businesswoman Alexis Colby, Collins is widely credited with catapulting Dynasty’s ratings into the stratosphere.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
His 2015 performance at the CMA Awards with his wife, Morgane, and Justin Timberlake was a landmark moment for Stapleton and the song, catapulting it back onto the charts, reaching Number One this time around.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
Bill Kelly, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
The group – which touts itself as a pagan collective that worships Norse gods – also took credit for originally catapulting Springfield onto the national stage by amplifying ugly memes about the Haitians.
—Caitlin Hu, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
In 2014, Rosso brought on British fashion star John Galliano, who logged an eventful decade at the house, catapulting its global notoriety and fashion credentials.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The past 20 years of research devoted to RNA modifications has led to what scientists have called an RNA Renaissance, catapulting RNA to become one of the most attractive macromolecules to study and use as vaccines and medicines.
—Marlene Belfort, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
In the decade to 2023, LNG imports rose by 70% catapulting it to the position of the world’s fourth-largest importer.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The company has played a hand in catapulting 18 sitting Fortune 500 CEOs, and 28 globally, to the top job, according to a 2025 analysis from Fortune editor Ruth Umoh.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026
With her buzzy role as the socialite and businesswoman Alexis Colby, Collins is widely credited with catapulting Dynasty’s ratings into the stratosphere.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
His 2015 performance at the CMA Awards with his wife, Morgane, and Justin Timberlake was a landmark moment for Stapleton and the song, catapulting it back onto the charts, reaching Number One this time around.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catapulting
Verb
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The swirling, whirling mass approaches like a steam train, picking up thousands of tons of matter on its descent, throwing clouds of snow into the air as its gathers speeds of up to 130 kph (80 mph).—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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Instead of throwing the baby toys on the couch, toss them in the basket.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kennedy could be heard hurling swears at the Swedish team.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
23 Feb. 2026
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Curlers need an intense training regimen, dedicated to sustaining them through short bursts of cardiovascular exercise (sweeping) and keeping their legs flexible and strong to support the deep lunge position adopted when hurling the stone.—
Julia Frankel,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The city's government page states that code enforcement has received multiple complaints of dog walkers tossing full bags over construction fences, as well as Christmas trees and other garbage.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
27 Feb. 2026
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The reactions over this week’s snowball fight were similar to those that followed a 2019 episode during a heat wave, when boisterous young people engaged in water fights were recorded on video tossing water at police officers.—
Anthony Izaguirre,
Fortune,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His frustration — flinging the ball into the floor, screaming at his team-mates — could have been a sign of a Chelsea team about to wobble.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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As an example of just how close people can get to the herd, there was a moment of levity at the event when one of the elephants began flinging what was believed to be a mixture of dirt and feces up onto the bridge.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mamdani has yet to denounce the snowball-slinging incident as of Tuesday morning, which left several officers hospitalized with lacerations to the face.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Feb. 2026
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In an effort to compete with its fellow pie-slinging rivals — not to mention apps that can deliver stay-at-home diners anything from sushi to burritos — the chain has introduced a new pan-crust option.—
Emily Heil,
Washington Post,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Catapulting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catapulting. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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