TOSS Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

toss

verb

ˈtȯs

Definition of toss next

as in to sway

to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions the boat tossed to and fro in the heavy seas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to fidget

to make jerky or restless movements tossed and turned in bed all night, unable to sleep in the heat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm toss that football over here

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to discard

to get rid of as useless or unwanted we need to go through the basement and toss whatever we don't use

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Firth turns up occasionally throughout in flashbacks as the male spotlight this time is tossed to both Woodall and Ejiofor, both winning partners for the new Bridget. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 Hagerty's name has been tossed around as a possible candidate. —

Nate Rau, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 The Massachusetts woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend in a snowy collision has lost her Massachusetts Supreme Court appeal seeking to have her case tossed on the grounds of double jeopardy after a chaotic murder trial ended in a hung jury. —

Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 Use clear, stacking pull-out drawers to stow extra sponges, rolls of trash bags, and dishwasher pods, then toss their original packages. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for toss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for toss

Verb

Bregman’s wife got accepted to Harvard Extension School early last week, perhaps swaying his decision.

— Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Lincoln is gradually radicalized to act and Douglass learns how to moderate his message to sway politicians.

— Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025