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
Tariffs have already thrown sand in the gears of U.S. small businessess, the American auto industry, and other sectors that import their supplies from abroad. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025 Police are searching for a man who was caught on video throwing a dog to the ground and kicking it in Long Beach. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
The throw from second baseman Nico Hoerner was coming in just above the dirt. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 Bogaerts made a throw to second base that probably should have gone to first and was just a split-second late regardless. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
Verb
  • Just keep in mind that not all finishes are dishwasher safe, so check before tossing it in.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Heat president Pat Riley has always sought to follow up a big splash by tossing another boulder into the pond.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After these findings were reported, menopausal hormone therapy prescriptions dropped sharply in the U.S. and worldwide.
    Jean Wactawski-Wende, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
  • Individual contracts can be selected prior to dropping into a match, and are the game’s primary form of long-term progression, allowing for permanent upgrades that make each run a little more meaningful.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • The project marks Maddock Films’ first venture into the historical epic genre and features Kaushal alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
  • That was the impetus for his latest business venture, appropriately named Game 7.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The massive Ford Raptor truck then reverses away from the lot, hurling Sloan to the ground.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Then, as Ventura was motionless on the floor, Combs appears to kick her and later hurls an object from a table at her.
    Liam Quinn, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Casualties could soar into the hundreds of thousands, and whole cities could be flattened.
    Colin Jones, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Fatigue flattened the Astros and played a large part in their wild-card flameout.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, both of them will be highly scrutinized moving forward, as will the Ravens’ decision-makers for taking a second-round gamble on Green.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Beijing knows a full-scale invasion would risk direct war with the U.S., a destructive gamble for China’s already wobbly economy at a time when Trump has added 145% tariffs to its burdens.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Johnston flung the puck on net from just below the goal line and somehow squeezed it past a stunned Mackenzie Blackwood, giving Dallas an almost immediate 1-0 lead.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • It can be languidly started Wednesday or Thursday and ready to be flung on Friday or Saturday.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There is a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Saturday with a high of 80.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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