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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Amazon and Sony Television’s Vought Rising, a prequel of The Boys, has cast Elizabeth Posey (Euphoria, Heels) in a leading and undisclosed role. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025 Adam Sandler considered casting Travis Kelce as his son in Happy Gilmore 2: 'Imagine if Travis was my first baby' Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, is there, breaking a club across his knee. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
The Good American Family cast is led by newcomer Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia, as well as Grey's Anatomy stalwart Ellen Pompeo as Kristine and The Morning Show's Mark Duplass as Michael. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Composer David Yazbek and the real-life de Marcos are credited as a creative consultants Though the entire cast deserves its cheers, the final bow is given appropriately to the band itself, eager to share this isolated country’s music for yet another rediscovery. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 20 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
  • Here’s a breakdown by style: A soft cheese, such as a wheel of brie should be cut in wedges radiating from the center so that everyone gets an even piece including a piece of the rind.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While modeling from the 1990s already showed that greenhouse gases trap heat in the lower atmosphere, more recent research determined that the same gases also radiate heat at much higher altitudes — thereby cooling the thermosphere.
    — Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • Multiple fans aim cool breezes toward the cook and discourage mosquitoes and flies from hanging around.
    — Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The Volunteers are aiming to make their first-ever appearance in the men's Final Four this year.
    — Adam Tamburin, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Starliner saga: As Starliner astronauts prepare for return, look back at the mission's biggest moments What time will Starliner, Crew-9 astronauts splash down?
    — Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Crespo’s new achievement sets as the Puerto Rican prepares for his Poeta Herío Tour, which begins at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico on June 21.
    — Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • There’s still not enough playmakers there for Young to throw to, especially not enough of them with speed.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The 41-year-old Bachelor Nation alum revealed in a March 17 Instagram post that he was attacked by his family dog twice in a span of 12 hours several days earlier while throwing a barbecue with his friends.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • The bitcoin price has flat-lined through March, stuck at around $85,000 per bitcoin, despite a huge, prescient bitcoin price prediction setting the market alight.
    — Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Brain Surgeons Have Some Thoughts Any early predictions for Season 3?
    — Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • According to Cabot, the shade warms up beautifully under the glow of fire pits, string lights, and moonlight.
    — Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the shade number, 26, also pays homage to Smith, Foley explains.
    — Jackie Fields, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • While the current valuation might seem steep at first glance, projected sales growth averaging approximately 25% annually over the next three years, coupled with potentially much stronger earnings growth, suggests the premium may be justified by the company’s improving financial outlook.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Ron Levey notes that while, at first glance, sharing meals might seem a bit niche, the report has found that people who eat frequently with each other are a lot happier.
    — Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • However, the creamy formula is easily blendable for a more smoky look.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Available for purchase separately or in a duo with the lip liner, the new Shade Slick Sheens include four shimmery shades that work effortlessly with the liners for a juicy lip look.
    — Claire Sullivan, WWD, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of look

Phrases Containing cast

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cassettes
cast
cast about
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Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 1 Apr. 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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