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Recent Examples of threw off An outdated answer key threw off the results of a Security Forces promotion exam, prompting the Air Force to rescore more than 2,200 tests.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 The lefty first threw off flat ground and then a bit off a mound. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026 Wearing her running blade during farmer carries threw off her balance. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026 Two hours before Thursday night’s Cactus League game, Snell threw off the mound in front of a group of reporters and fans at Camelback Ranch. — Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threw off

Verb

Although the extramarital affair made headlines at the time of Schettino’s trial, there was no evidence presented to say that he was distracted as a result of Cemortan’s presence.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Roschelle had seemed distracted lately, going to a bunch of doctors’ appointments, talking to Sapphire late at night.

— Jessica Contrera, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of distracted

Verb

Because California is the nation’s largest agricultural producer and most populous state, demand for water is high, and wildlife often suffers when water from dams is diverted to farmland.

— Velvet Wu July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Shutting the strait down would block in the millions of barrels per day of oil that the Saudis have diverted through their pipeline to the Red Sea export terminal of Yanbu.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 16 July 2026