cast 1 of 2

1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

cast

2 of 2

noun

1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

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
According to one cast member, the production had also run out of money. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025 The breakthrough came earlier this year when Paige Thomas was approached to serve as the casting agent and executive producer for a Lifetime movie that was to be filmed in Kansas City. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
The cast included Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover, and, later, Marla Gibbs joined full-time. Victoria Edel, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025 The cast pretended to work inside a glass cubicle, which recreated a portion of the Lumon Industries office from the series. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
Verb
  • Their attire and posture radiated an iconic, aristocratic style, exemplified by Vance's wife, who stood elegantly in her rose-pitch dress coat.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Today, the Quadrantids appear to radiate from the modern constellation Boötes, located in the northern part of the sky near the Big Dipper.
    Katrina Miller, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump announced a joint venture to fund artificial intelligence infrastructure worth billions of dollars with the leaders of Softbank Group Corp., OpenAI LLC, and Oracle Corp., an effort aimed at speeding development of the emerging technology.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Love’s recent string of amusing Instagram posts began with one aimed at Herro for his role in the altercation between the Heat and Houston Rockets on Dec. 29.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Dennis and Cheryl McMurray had come home from dinner on Jan. 7 and were preparing for bed when Cheryl’s cousin called.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Jim Cramer noted that Club stock Meta is an obvious winner if that goes into effect, but there's a lot of uncertainty around what will happen in the coming days as President Joe Biden prepares to leave the White House and President-elect Donald Trump gets sworn in Monday.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Ben was also reported to have a habit of throwing himself back and hitting his head.
    Stephanie Slifer, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Just as the Season 1 finale amped up the stakes by expanding the show’s scale in revealing that there were dozens of other silos, the Season 2 finale expands the timeline of the show by throwing things back to the past.
    Barry Levitt, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Officials said the men weren’t prepared for the weather conditions, which included predictions of snow, sleet and rain.
    Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
  • See more of our Oscar nominations predictions here.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The company’s Ice Breaker 2.0 dyeing technology is paying off as well, resulting in vibrant, laser-friendly shades with minimal environmental impact.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The doll sports a black faux leather ensemble, dark shades, and her signature swooped hairstyle.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Many people receive similar messages that seem harmless at first glance but could potentially be part of a more sinister scheme.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025
  • At first glance, the lack of results seemed surprising.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In 2014, the blogging platform Tumblr created an era-defining look and was populated by photosets of skinned knees and ripped tights, cigarettes, Doctor Who gif sets, and plenty of moody song lyrics typewritten over stormy backgrounds.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Each garment and accessory in the collection is designed to mix together to create a dynamic look with a timeless aesthetic, focusing on the fabrics and workmanship put into each item’s design and functionality.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near cast

Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cast

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!