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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Speaking Sunday to reporters ahead of the meeting with Rutte, Trump cast the weapons deals as a direct rebuke to Putin. —Charles Maynes, NPR, 14 July 2025 In addition to Wright and Cooke, cast also includes Laurie Davidson as Daniel, Waleed Zuaiter as Howard, Tayna Moodie as Isabella, Shalom Brune-Franklin as Brigitte, Karen Henthorn as Tracey, Anna Chancellor as Lilith, Leo Suter as Nicholas, and Francesca Corney as Millie. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Noun
The cast for Season Two will be revealed in the coming weeks leading up to the premiere. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025 The film features returning cast members like Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 14 July 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
  • Nara's more recent paintings, such as Midnight Tears (2023), feature tender, fragmented brushwork that radiates introspection.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Their vocal harmonies intertwine easily over a textured arrangement of keys, bass, drums, and guitars, creating an uplifting summer anthem that radiates sincerity and charm.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 21 July 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.
    — Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • Saint-Tropez’s Hotel Byblos teamed up with Globe-Trotter to make a suitcase, while Le Bristol in Paris created a highly wearable capsule collection with Sporty & Rich aimed at injecting some youthful joie de vivre into the sometimes fusty five-star hotel.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 19 July 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Whole spelt berries work well in breakfast cereal, soups, or side dishes, and can be prepared like rice or risotto.
    — Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Consider personally submitting your tax payment to the IRS after your CPA has prepared them, review your tax returns every year.
    — Anne-Lyse Ngatta, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • The game is played in UK English, so this could throw a little wrench into things for non-Brits.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Authorities believe Bryant is the man captured on surveillance video throwing a Molotov cocktail through the window of the building, according to an arrest affidavit cited by the Denver Post and Colorado Public Radio (CPR).
    — Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Look for ways to augment churn prediction and issue prevention.
    — Mohan Mannava, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • However, Americans cannot legally participate in this prediction casino at the moment.
    — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • And plenty of creatures have evolved behaviors that take advantage of their environment—rolling around in dirt or mud, simply retreating into the shade.
    — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 July 2025
  • There’s also electrochromic film to darken the shades, and full customization with nose pieces, diopter dials, and adjustable temples with lighting effects.
    — Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 19 July 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • At first glance, some features of Florida’s charter schools appear more private than public.
    — Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025
  • The Cost-Saving Promise Of The Cloud At first glance, the cloud seems like a no-brainer for cost efficiency.
    — Melkon Hovhannisyan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • Always remember that the right sofa will blend both comfort and looks.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • They’re made with a soft cotton material that’ll keep you cozy during long flights, while providing an elevated look.
    — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 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 30 Jul. 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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