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 Valentina & Lime Lay's: Araceli Huerta of San Jose, California, who came up with the original flavor profile, was inspired by the flavors of a childhood snack made by her mom, classic Lay's chips tossed with Valentina hot sauce and fresh lime. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 May 2025 Just keep in mind that not all finishes are dishwasher safe, so check before tossing it in. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025 Heat president Pat Riley has always sought to follow up a big splash by tossing another boulder into the pond. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Place the pork shoulder in a medium bowl and toss with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toss
Verb
  • Or, simply hang up a hammock and sway to the sound of the stream, songbirds and the gentle swoosh of the wind through the trees.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Mayoral sway Chicago mayors have a history of bending the requirements of the head of schools’ title to fit their goals for handling the unwieldy finances of CPS.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Game players knew this was coming and fidgeted in their seats to see what their uninitiated friends and family would make of last night’s big The Last of Us episode.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Then came Brian Harman, fidgeting over each practice swing.
    Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The left-hander threw 50 of 85 pitches for strikes.
    Ethan Westerman, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025
  • In his first start at Fenway since the trade, Sale allowed one run on five hits and two walks striking out eight over seven innings, throwing 99 pitches, 67 for strikes.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Make sure to discard salsa that was left out at room temperature for over two hours, especially on hot days.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 May 2025
  • Today, House Republicans will move promptly to discard it.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • And now that governments in many rich countries have sharply lurched to the right and taken more skeptical stances on aid, this industry is collapsing.
    Zainab Usman, Foreign Affairs, 5 May 2025
  • German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz was one of the first European leaders to grasp the long-term implications of the American lurch toward authoritarianism.
    David Axe, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Earthquakes cause the ground to move in unpredictable ways, sometimes sharply jerking, other times swaying like a ship in rough seas.
    Maya Wei-Haas, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Confused Lochlan, who thoughtfully jerked off his older brother so that Saxon wouldn’t feel left out.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Inside the truck, the bodies of three teenage boys hurled forward, each with terrible velocity.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
  • The strongest solar flare so far this year hurled streams of plasma and charged particles into the cosmos and caused communications blackouts on five continents.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Federal complaints previously obtained by PEOPLE stated that Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, told detectives his wife confessed to killing Bush, and that the couple later burned her body and dumped it in a remote area.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • Compost it or dump it in the trash in a sealed bag, but never put the starter—or sourdough dough for that matter—down the drain.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toss. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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