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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
McCarthy looked a bit lost in Week 2, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns, as the Atlanta Falcons' defense came down on him hard. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Sep. 2025 The move felt like a full-circle moment for Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who couldn’t resist throwing a little shade in Hov’s direction while hyping Nas’ ties to the project. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
His return went awry with a bevy of high throws and multiple drops by his targets (22-of-38). Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025 Illusory Turtleneck Sweater Dress This chic fall dress that feels like wearing a knit throw may be the comfiest pick of the season. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
Verb
  • Maddie—baggy hoodies tossed over an array of old tattoos, clearly carrying a heavy amount of life for her 28 years—gradually attempts to fill her daughter in on her own youth, treading a tightrope between honesty and delicacy.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Carelessness and accidents happen, however, so take some time with each season to go through items and toss anything that’s faded, shattered, or stopped working.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Riddle claimed their relationship was consensual, and the lawsuit was eventually dropped.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Cheek family founded the Maxwell House brand The brand started as a venture from Nashville businessman Joel Cheek, who quit his job as a coffee broker to start the Nashville Coffee and Manufacturing Company in 1899.
    Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Selfridges is set to open 40 Duke in spring 2026, its latest venture into the members clubs space.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Jupiter’s gravitational pull also hurls enormous rocks around within the asteroid belt.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Mullen was 29-6 before Marco Wilson hurled a cleat and 5-9 after it.
    Matt Baker, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Allen is writing about something that’s in our newsfeeds daily, but crucially, that thing doesn’t flatten or predetermine his people.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Skulls retract and flatten as their musculature facilitates more expressive faces.
    Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For solo travelers willing to take a bit of a gamble, National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions will pair guests of the same gender together in a cabin.
    Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025
  • With the brutal murderer targeting his police colleagues, Thomas makes a desperate gamble, turning to a once well-regarded but now out of favour, misanthropic ex-detective for help.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The country singer, his photographer, his then-tour manager, and bus driver were all flung about the cabin and seriously injured.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Against one of baseball’s worst teams, things got so bad that in the bottom of the eighth inning, journeyman outfielder Travis Jankowski took the mound and flung balls at 40 mph.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pay an additional $1 to add the Power Play for a chance to multiply all Powerball winnings except for the jackpot.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There is a 20% chance of showers.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on throw

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