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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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 That led to a go-ahead field goal and set the stage for the late drive that started with promise but ended on a giveaway on a pass Maye threw off his back foot. — CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 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 — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 An outdated answer key threw off the results of a Security Forces promotion exam, prompting the Air Force to rescore more than 2,200 tests.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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threw off

Verb

And, on the eve of the election, El-Sayed’s primary opponent, Haley Stevens, distracted from the conversation with her left-field endorsement of Rogers that may have ejected her from the Democratic party and possibly a political career.

— Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026
The first officer used her Taser twice on the dogs, which distracted them but did not stop them from attacking, police say.

— Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026