throw 1 of 2

throw

2 of 2

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
Kittle was seen throwing his hands in the air on the sideline to celebrate his fellow tight end’s pivotal catch. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 According to court documents, Garcia said Abarca threw her to the ground during an argument in Shawnee, leading her to request and receive a restraining order. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
In the Chiefs’ 27-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, Mahomes rushed for 57 yards and passed for another 258 with a touchdown throw and no interceptions. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025 Incorporate this cozy take on the country club aesthetic with oversized plaid throws, checked upholstery, and flannel napkins for fall tablescapes. Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
Verb
  • One night earlier, Cecconi tossed eight scoreless innings and carried a no-hitter through seven.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Move the ingredients to the hole and toss to cover them with the sauce.
    Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 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, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Alcaraz is averaging fewer than 10 games dropped per match, and his 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 victory was his second-closest encounter so far.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, David Sacks, a venture capitalist serving as the White House’s crypto and AI czar, is expected to be at the event.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • A lot of the chummy discussion involved Malone and the other execs reminiscing about their past deals and ventures.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Born in what is now Zimbabwe, Bland spent hours as a child hurling stones at telegraph poles.
    James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Protesters hurled rocks at government vehicles, breaking windows and side-view mirrors, according to prosecutors.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The rock flattened out and became something like ground beneath my feet.
    Emily Meg Weinstein September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The two initial quakes flattened villages in both provinces, destroying more than 6,700 homes, and rescue workers pulled bodies from the rubble on Thursday.
    Mohammad Yunus Yawar, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More than 3,000 locations and an $8 billion deal to sell a majority stake to Blackstone later, the teenage gamble paid off big time.
    Martina Castellanos, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Research suggests that habitual lottery players – especially those with low incomes – see the gamble as an investment rather than a form of entertainment.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • They were flung into the lagoon.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The side brush on this model can also lift itself out of the way to avoid spreading stains and flinging large particles.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Investors peg the chances of a quarter-point rate cut this month at about 90% and the odds of a half-point cut at nearly 10%, according to CME FedWatch Tool, a measure of market sentiment.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • What began as a chance to build a sales team and achieve financial independence turned into a mission to serve working families.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on throw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!