throw 1 of 2

throw

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noun

as in venture
a risky undertaking a desperate throw, that could jump-start his presidential campaign or end it right there

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word throw distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of throw are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, sling, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," 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 cast take the place of throw?

The synonyms cast and throw are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

Where would fling be a reasonable alternative to throw?

While the synonyms fling and throw are close in meaning, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When could hurl be used to replace throw?

The meanings of hurl and throw largely overlap; however, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

When would pitch be a good substitute for throw?

The words pitch and throw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can sling be used instead of throw?

In some situations, the words sling and throw are roughly equivalent. However, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When might toss be a better fit than throw?

Although the words toss and throw have much in common, 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 throw
Verb
All of the changeups last night were thrown to left-handers. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 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
Noun
Field events include the long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put and weight throw. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 However, there’s one key piece to that equation to secure first: a cozy and warm throw blanket. Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
Verb
  • Patrick Daley Thompson Supreme Court tosses convictions on 2 counts for former 11th Ward Ald.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
  • As Meghan Trainor herself might suggest, simplifying laundry day can now be as effortless — and stylish — as tossing a single sheet into the washer.
    WWD, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Three crashes occurred while Waymo was dropping a passenger off.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Transaction gaming dropped 6%, while casual and free-to-play gaming grew 16%.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Seeing my menswear pieces embraced at this level confirms that the vision behind this new venture is resonating with the right audience.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 29 Mar. 2025
  • On Friday, Musk said another one of his ventures, xAI, was merging with the social network in an all-stock transaction, valuing the artificial intelligence business at $80 billion and the social media business at $33 billion.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Most recently, Ukrainian air force Sukhoi Su-27 fighters have been hurling the bombs at bridges in Belgorod Oblast in western Russia, aiming to cut off Russian troops in the oblast’s border region, where Ukrainian brigades have launched small-scale incursions.
    David Axe, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The hate being hurled at Elon Musk these days is beyond irrational.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Another air strike flattened a residential building in the Bureij refugee camp, killing at least nine.
    Ayesha Khan, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Techno glitter was applied in a streak which extended upward from the eye’s outer corner, almost reaching the tip of sweat band flattened side bangs (which resembled eyelashes).
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Aurora’s Swim worries that corporations will reverse their net-zero goals, although that is a gamble—one that could bring lawsuits, lose customers, and damage their brands.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Instead of taking long-shot upsets all over your bracket, focus on situations where the risk is reasonable and the reward justifies the gamble.
    Kilty Cleary, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Mindful handling of smoking materials: Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Instead of randomly flinging yourself into tourist traps, do some research ahead of time.
    Tonia Ryan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the ’90s, a movie like this one might have had a chance to catch on.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Don’t expect a speedy renewal of David Blaine: Do Not Attempt – at least until the title star has a chance to fully recover.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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