THREW OFF Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

threw off

verb

past tense of throw off

as in distracted

to draw the attention or mind to something else the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot

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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 threw off With the pocket collapsing, Young retreated and threw off his back foot for Tetairoa McMillan down the middle of the field. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Tua Tagovailoa, held out of Wednesday’s practice because of a back injury flare-up, threw off to the side. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 30 July 2026 Ohtani threw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since receiving an Orthovisc injection in his left knee to lubricate the joint. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 An outdated answer key threw off the results of a Security Forces promotion exam, prompting the Air Force to rescore more than 2,200 tests. — James Powel, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Those headaches were worth it when scaled media businesses threw off gushers of cash and provided a cultural imprimatur that few other assets could. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 The Wolverines threw off their gloves and swarmed each other on the infield to celebrate. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 1 May 2026 Quarterback Carson Beck threw off his back foot. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Mauricio threw off his helmet and ran into center field before being caught by teammates, who swarmed him and doused him with water on a windy day at Citi Field. — CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threw off

Verb

To spend two and a half minutes studying that goal so forensically, and then seemingly lose sight of how Fernandez, from an offside position, distracted Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, is the worst of both worlds.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
The pain distracted Garrett while facing a 49ers lineup that included three-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of distracted

Verb

Playwright Zimmerman, meanwhile, says the dispute has diverted attention from the subject the production was created to address.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where law enforcement took the man into custody.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026