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
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
Everybody’s thrown off by that first score (45-10 in late September).
—Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
When the deputy was struck, he was thrown off the overpass and landed below on Harry Hines Boulevard.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
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
Everybody’s thrown off by that first score (45-10 in late September).
—Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
When the deputy was struck, he was thrown off the overpass and landed below on Harry Hines Boulevard.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrown off
Verb
-
Size of the Milan Ice Skating Arena rink Figure skating ice rinks are usually free of markings so that skaters can compete without being distracted.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
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While Duque wants thrifters to understand that price doesn't equal value, Rodriguez warns shoppers not to be distracted by appearance.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Four small planes were diverted by the Air Force after breaching restricted airspace around the stadium, but the aircraft were never considered threats.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
4 Feb. 2026
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The revelation raised concerns about conflicts of interest in American foreign policy, especially given the scrutiny surrounding the US-UAE chip deal over worries the tech could be diverted to China.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thrown off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrown%20off. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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