toss

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word toss distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of toss are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, sling, and throw. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

Where would cast be a reasonable alternative to toss?

In some situations, the words cast and toss are roughly equivalent. However, cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When would fling be a good substitute for toss?

The meanings of fling and toss largely overlap; however, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When might hurl be a better fit than toss?

While in some cases nearly identical to toss, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

In what contexts can pitch take the place of toss?

Although the words pitch and toss have much in common, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When is sling a more appropriate choice than toss?

While the synonyms sling and toss are close in meaning, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When could throw be used to replace toss?

The words throw and toss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 toss That’s in character for rabid Philly fans, who once tossed snowballs at Santa Claus during a long-ago Eagles game. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The Double-Breasted Overcoat Ideal for tossing atop an evening look, double-breasted overcoats add instant elegance to your winter nights out and look especially chic with a pair of heels peeking out from beneath the hemline. Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2025 The crispy, golden pickle fries are tossed with a Tajin Crispy seasoning and served with your choice of dipping sauce. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Creating a fall arrangement is as simple as getting the right materials and tossing them together. Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toss
Verb
  • Many in the crowd of nearly 200 people clapped to the tempo and swayed to the beat.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Her potential ascension to the budget panel was repeatedly highlighted by her campaign in 2020 as a way to sway Maine's fickle - and often decisive - independent voting bloc.
    NPR, NPR, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Children fidgeted in the relentless August heat.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Notice: are people fidgeting, looking at their hands, or rolling their eyes?
    Anne Sugar, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There was one consequential defensive bust that was likely related to Warner’s absence, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was particularly effective throwing to the middle of the field, where Warner usually roams.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Quarterback Jared Goff, originally under center, went in motion out to the left and running back David Montgomery threw a pass to him.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To remove the pulp from the seeds, use a spoon or butter knife to scrape the pulp, separating it from the seeds, which may be discarded.
    Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Duplicate submissions will be discarded.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hollywood lurched into a fresh wave of existential panic this week after Deadline, notating an otherwise dry industry panel on Saturday, September 27, seized on a stray remark.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
  • On Halloween of 2022, just weeks into the new school year, senior Ehni Ler Htoo was making his way through the halls of Proctor High School in Utica, New York, when a fellow student lurched at him from behind, repeatedly plunging a 9-inch hunting knife into his back.
    Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sounds like the plot of a tear-jerking movie, no?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Travis jerked open the door and slid on his butt down a wing that was on fire.
    Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Walking away from a fight or turning the other cheek at someone hurling insults your way would be an insult to our own ego and pride.
    Ed Lavandera, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
  • People saw it not once, not twice, but over and over, frequently dressing up as the characters and hurling things — toast, rice, puns, obscenities — at the screen.
    Joe Lynch, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Aguilera said its unclear how often boaters illegally dump sewage into the water in Fort Lauderale, though pumpout vessels have been well-used in other parts of Florida.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • For a company like Tesla, dumping the AM/FM radio to cut costs does not exactly scream innovation.
    Patrick George, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toss. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on toss

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