Synonyms of throw

throw 1 of 2

verb

ˈthrō 

1

as in to toss

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm

threw a life preserver to the drowning man

Synonyms & Similar Words

• toss
• hurl
• fling
• sling
• fire
• launch
• cast
• heave
• chuck
• let fly
• pitch
• lob
• catapult
• flip
• dart
• bowl
• dash
• hurtle
• pelt
• peg
• gun
• roll
• loft
• pass
• thrust
• hook
• shoot
• propel
• eject
• rifle
• precipitate
• project
• impel
• buck

2

as in to drop

to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally

the attacker threw his victim to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drop
• flatten
• throw down
• lower
• depress
• topple
• sink
• plop
• floor
• fumble
• strike down
• knock over
• knock down
• level
• submerge
• immerse
• plunk down
• bungle
• bobble
• foozle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• raise
• lift
• pick up

throw

2 of 2

noun

as in chance

a risky undertaking

a desperate throw, that could jump-start his presidential campaign or end it right there

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chance
• gamble
• venture
• speculation
• adventure
• flutter
• enterprise
• bet
• flier
• crapshoot
• stake
• wager
• hazard
• liberty
• play
• long shot
• dark horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sure thing

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

Recent Examples of throw

Verb

As good as both teams’ hitters have been performing this season, these two pitchers were throwing at a level that even major-league scouts could appreciate. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

Loftin threw wildly to first base, pulling Vinnie Pasquantino off the bag. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026

Noun

Game notes Carter looked at home at College Park Center on Thursday, getting her game started with a jumper right beyond the free-throw line, and finished with 14 points with a rebound and a steal in her team’s 95-87 loss. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026

The style offers the ease of a throw-on dress with more structure than a cotton shift or shirtdress. —Irina Grechko, Vogue, 29 May 2026

Phrases Containing throw

• a throw
• stone's throw
• throw (on)
• throw away
• throw cold water on
• throw down
• throw in the sponge
• throw in the towel
• throw off
• throw out
• throw over
• throw together
• throw up