throw 1 of 2

throw

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noun

as in venture
a risky undertaking a desperate throw, that could jump-start his presidential campaign or end it right there

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word throw distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of throw are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, sling, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm.

can throw a fastball and a curve

In what contexts can cast take the place of throw?

The synonyms cast and throw are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

Where would fling be a reasonable alternative to throw?

While the synonyms fling and throw are close in meaning, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When could hurl be used to replace throw?

The meanings of hurl and throw largely overlap; however, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

When would pitch be a good substitute for throw?

The words pitch and throw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can sling be used instead of throw?

In some situations, the words sling and throw are roughly equivalent. However, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When might toss be a better fit than throw?

Although the words toss and throw have much in common, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

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 throw
Verb
When this happens, passengers are asked to dump their drinks out in a dedicated dumping facility or throw the whole thing away into a trash can. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025 Angels outfielder Mike Trout, who went on the injured list May 2 with a left knee injury, did some throwing Friday and is continuing to progress in his rehab, but Washington said the team has no date for his return. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
Hope’s strong, accurate throw to the plate from center field during Lake County’s late rally kept a runner from scoring. Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Koss scored without a throw, Adames was awarded a sacrifice fly, and the Giants had a 6-5 lead. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
Verb
  • Some, like outfielder Ty Jackson and catcher Bill Leroy, were playing football with kids, while Andy Archer was seen tossing a baseball around with kids who brought gloves.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
  • When serving, toss together individual portions and top with a few sliced cherry tomatoes.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Officers then turned her over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for a deportation hearing, although police later dropped the traffic charges against her, according to local media reports.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • That’s because, when long-term rates drop, mREITs’ existing loans become more valuable because new loans pay less.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • As a result, these larger portfolio mandates require management to juggle multiple properties and strategies, including joint ventures, developments and debt investments.
    Chay Lapin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Her next ventures will undoubtedly continue to inspire wholesome games with cozy art.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Inside the truck, the bodies of three teenage boys hurled forward, each with terrible velocity.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
  • The strongest solar flare so far this year hurled streams of plasma and charged particles into the cosmos and caused communications blackouts on five continents.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • With the stick end of the mascara wand, press down on the brow hairs to flatten them.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 20 May 2025
  • The impact of A Pale View of Hills is blunted by a tendency to over-explain and flatten.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Dodgers Back in the lineup, Teoscar Hernández provides the offense as Dodgers beat Arizona May 21, 2025 Which is a major gamble in itself.
    Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • But for Ben & Jerry’s, staying silent is the bigger gamble.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Jensen then flings the throw-in towards the near-post area… … and Wissa attacks the other one as Collins is battling to win the aerial duel.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 May 2025
  • The four men simultaneously flung open the four doors and raced for safety.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Tapper believes that the effort of family and his longtime staff members to hide Biden’s condition deprived the Democratic Party of the chance to determine if its chances were better with another candidate, who would have benefited from more time to mount a campaign against Trump.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • There are two primary strategies to consider: Pre-Earnings Positioning: Review the historical probabilities of positive and negative reactions and establish a position before the earnings announcement, recognizing the equal chances.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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