throws off

Definition of throws offnext
present tense third-person singular of throw off
as in diverts
to draw the attention or mind to something else the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 throws off Lifting the Lid While Cooking Releasing the steam interrupts the cooking process and throws off timing. Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026 The spin is being closely watched as a statement on the future of cable, which throws off significant cash but has been in rapid decline as viewers migrate to streaming. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026 But China has not made such statements, and there’s still a risk that the two strongmen can’t see eye to eye or a rogue comment throws off the delicate detente. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025 Perhaps an unexpected expense throws off your budget, or you’re no longer inspired by a recent investment. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 An algae bloom throws off the balance of the ecosystem that keeps the water clear and fish and other aquatic life healthy. Charlotte Germane, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2025 Lack of ample sleep throws off your body's internal clock, triggering a surge in stress hormones that cause blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to rise. Md Published, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2025 Early on, the Patriots favored outside zone run concepts from under center and play-action bootleg throws off those same runs. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025 One particularly large one in the garden’s center throws off drama that the surrounding cape marguerite and its daisylike flowers can’t compete with. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throws off
Verb
  • Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario goes long towards midfield, where Archie Gray diverts the ball to Rodrigo Bentancur.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
  • These tissues regenerate constantly, so when protein is scarce, your body diverts amino acids away from these aesthetic functions toward more critical ones, like maintaining organ health and immunity.
    Lauryn Higgins, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • But treating reprocessing as a near-term fix for SONGS distracts from the work that experts agree is unavoidable.
    Mike Levin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Also, my grandson is annoyed at someone else demanding my time which also distracts me from keeping a close eye on him.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Throws off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throws%20off. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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