as in distracted
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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Recent Examples of thrown off
The sparks thrown off in the process could become the energy for better thoughts—for more complex and perhaps even original ideas.
—
Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
While foxhunting in Virginia in November 1993, Onassis was thrown off a horse and was subsequently hospitalized.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Duprey, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, lost control, sideswiped a tree and was thrown off the scooter, officials said.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
The trailer gives a taste of just how dire the situation is, as Stephanie’s is totally thrown off without her gum.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
We were thrown off a little bit.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys’ offense was one of the best in the NFL this season, but they were mystified and thrown off their game in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Don’t be thrown off by the slight footprint—we’ve got a workhorse on our hands with this one.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
The firefighter was thrown off his bike and died at the scene.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025
Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
While foxhunting in Virginia in November 1993, Onassis was thrown off a horse and was subsequently hospitalized.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Duprey, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, lost control, sideswiped a tree and was thrown off the scooter, officials said.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
The trailer gives a taste of just how dire the situation is, as Stephanie’s is totally thrown off without her gum.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
We were thrown off a little bit.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys’ offense was one of the best in the NFL this season, but they were mystified and thrown off their game in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
Don’t be thrown off by the slight footprint—we’ve got a workhorse on our hands with this one.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
The firefighter was thrown off his bike and died at the scene.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrown off
Verb
-
But the table is so congested that putting any kind of winning run together could make a real difference while the teams above them are distracted by European commitments.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Clearly, that’s to capture those kids still off from school versus the fall, when they’re distracted with myriad school activities.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Traffic was diverted away from the area, but there was no danger to the public, Gonzalez said.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
-
But trade was diverted away from China.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thrown off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrown%20off. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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