THROW-OFF Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

throw off

verb

Definition of throw off

as in to distract

to draw the attention or mind to something else the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot

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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 off Hemlines that sit at the wrong places can instantly throw off an entire look. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 An outdated answer key threw off the results of a Security Forces promotion exam, prompting the Air Force to rescore more than 2,200 tests. — James Powel, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Steele is scheduled to start throwing off a mound the first week of August, manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026 Our society is far from throwing off the notion that aging is unfortunate, if not reprehensible. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for throw off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw off

Verb

Roschelle had seemed distracted lately, going to a bunch of doctors’ appointments, talking to Sapphire late at night.

— Jessica Contrera, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
During a recent concert where Graham Nash was speaking his mind about needless wars and his belief that the president started a war with Iran to distract from the Epstein files, someone in the audience yelled out.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Definition of distract

Verb

By still spending so much on conventional manned equipment, the United States and many other countries are diverting funds from more efficient systems.

— Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
There is the suspicion his behavior regarding the court has been motivated to divert attention from his personal scandal and gain political support from anti-Israeli and anti-American nations.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of divert

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thrown up

throw off

throw (on)

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“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw%20off. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of throw off

verb

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