cast 1 of 2

verb

ˈkast How to pronounce cast (audio)
Definition of castnext
1
as in to radiate
to throw or give off spermaceti candles, made from whale oil, are known to cast an exceptionally bright light

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2
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal cast her eyes skyward for signs of the rescue plane

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3
as in to prepare
to put (something) into proper and usually carefully worked out written form carefully cast the letter of complaint as politely as possible

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4
as in to throw
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm cast a rock into the stream

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cast

2 of 2

noun

1
as in prediction
a declaration that something will happen in the future stock market analysts offered an optimistic cast for the coming year

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2
as in shade
a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished the walls had a slight yellowish cast

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3
as in glance
an instance of looking especially briefly a mischievous cast in his eye when we asked what our destination would be

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4
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling his face took on a somewhat sad cast when we asked how his ill wife was faring

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5
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance the lovely cast of the baby's features

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word cast distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of cast are fling, hurl, pitch, sling, throw, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When might fling be a better fit than cast?

While in some cases nearly identical to cast, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When can hurl be used instead of cast?

The words hurl and cast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

When would pitch be a good substitute for cast?

The words pitch and cast can be used in similar contexts, but pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

Where would sling be a reasonable alternative to cast?

Although the words sling and cast have much in common, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When is it sensible to use throw instead of cast?

The meanings of throw and cast largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can toss take the place of cast?

While the synonyms toss and cast are close in meaning, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

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 cast
Verb
Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has fundamentally changed transatlantic relations, suspended all military aid and intelligence sharing to Kyiv and again cast doubt that the US would defend its NATO allies if attacked. —Helen Regan, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 Paul Reiser returned to play his role, but James Spader stepped in to fill Kevin Bacon’s shoes and Michael Madsen was cast in the part played by Mickey Rourke. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
But she’s also had the chance to show off her range on Saturday Night Live, signing on as a featured player during the show’s 47th season before being promoted to the main cast in 2023. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025 The price tag shows: The world building is extensive, involving large-scale sets and impressive visual effects, and the cast features superstars and character actors alike. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
  1. radiate
  2. aim
  3. prepare
  4. throw
  5. prediction
  6. shade
  7. glance
  8. look
Verb
  • The surface of the sun, which has a temperature of 6,000 °C, radiates most strongly in the visible spectrum.
    — Jayson Stewart, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2025
  • These homes radiate timeless charm, ideal for those seeking sophistication rooted in antiquity. 2.
    — Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • The killers included white policemen, sheriffs, businessmen, even a legislator—all part of the Jim Crow system aimed at disenfranchising Black voters.
    — Essence, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
  • This week, a Ukrainian delegation will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with US counterparts to negotiate an end to the conflict; Britain recently hosted a European summit aimed at finding a path forward that Kyiv and Europe can agree on.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Tuchel has spent the past three months preparing for the beginning of England’s 2026 World Cup-qualifying campaign.
    — Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
  • For example, upgrading the forge lets players improve weapons and armor, while upgrading the dojo trains allies to learn new skills in order to help Naoe and Yasuke prepare for the threats that lie ahead.
    — George Yang, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • Taylor and Salley throw accusations back and forth when Taylor shares an update on her near future, much to Shep’s surprise.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw five innings, giving up one run and striking out four.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • For the latter, keep an eye on space weather forecasts from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to track geomagnetic storm predictions.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Contract predictions have ranged all the way to $600 million for the 26-year-old.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • Each shade is thoughtfully chosen to evoke an unmistakable ultra-feminine allure.
    — Felicity Carter, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Lips were metallic, using the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in a deep brown shade called Jeff and two of the Blurring Balm Lowlighter by Danessa Myricks in a golden mauve tone, Unbothered, and a cinnamon shade, Off The Grid.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • This time around, interest in some of the Grammy-winning outfit’s most familiar tunes has clearly soared, as is evidenced by a quick glance at the weekly rankings of the most popular tunes throughout the nation.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • At first glance, the objects resemble dolls or even more advanced action figures with movable parts.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, here's a look at the stars all grown up and in love Comments It's been two decades since Dylan and Cole Sprouse started wreaking havoc in the halls of the Tipton Hotel on the Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The special, which will feature live performances, stories about the duo’s longtime friendship and a look at their new joint album, will be broadcast on the CBS network and will stream on Paramount+.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of look

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Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cast

Nglish: Translation of cast for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cast

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