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

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 2026

Rodgers, 42, guided the Steelers to an AFC North title last year, throwing for 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. —Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026

Noun

Divided into a living room area with a very comfortable couch and recliner, draped with throw blankets, and surrounding a wood-burning fireplace. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026

Detroit catcher Dylan Dinger’s throw wasn’t in time to get Bichette, but shortstop Zach Short threw home to get Benge, ending the inning with the game still tied. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 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