throw 1 of 2

verb

ˈthrō How to pronounce throw (audio)
Definition of thrownext
1
as in to toss
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm threw a life preserver to the drowning man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to drop
to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally the attacker threw his victim to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

throw

2 of 2

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
Kids threw popcorn, cheered, and gave a standing ovation, refusing to settle down even as the lights came on and the cops showed up. —Issy Van Der Velde, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025 During the club’s heavy defeat at home to Chelsea on December 4, Solak, sitting in a hospitality suite behind the press box, was visibly angry, throwing his arms around in frustration as the team continued to pass out from the back under immense pressure from the opposition. —Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
Derek Hill legged out a grounder down the third-base line, stole second, advanced to third on the bad throw to nab him, and raced home on a wild pitch. —Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025 Pete Crow-Armstrong got a superb secondary lead and jump to beat a throw to second base on a routine grounder with two outs to load the bases, setting up Miguel Amaya’s three-run double. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
  1. toss
  2. drop
  3. venture
  4. hurl
  5. flatten
  6. gamble
  7. fling
  8. chance
Verb
  • Pair them with your favorite bra top at the gym, and then toss on a slouchy tee or sweater after hours.
    — Korin Miller, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Just before serving, add the asparagus-bean mixture to the serving bowl and toss well, adding more lemon juice, olive oil or salt to your taste.
    — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • In Chicago last weekend, the Red Sox dropped two of three.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • From Mexico, arrivals to the U.S. by air dropped nearly 17% in March, compared with March last year.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of drop
Noun
  • That announcement of a new venture came sooner rather than later and revealed that four of Slate PR’s founders are sticking together.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The founding partners of Slate PR have dissolved the publicity firm after 15 years, but are staying in business together with the launch of new venture, Apex Public Relations.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Since mid-March, the U.S. military has hurled more than $200 million worth of missiles, bombs, and rockets into the remote deserts and mountains of Yemen, in what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dubbed, with sublime ahistorical clumsiness, Operation Rough Rider.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Avery hurls the ball toward the basket, hitting the rim but missing.
    — Laura A. Bischoff, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of hurl
Verb
  • That means your voice, your rhythm, your particular way of saying something—these are at risk of being flattened.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • One house is basically flattened, another partially collapsed, and others damaged.
    — Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of flatten
Noun
  • Rising yields—partly driven by hedge funds unwinding leveraged trades and foreign central banks selling treasuries to stabilize their currencies ahead of tariff fallout—likely pressured Trump into calling off his gamble.
    — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • One player takes a big gamble by intentionally throwing a mission.
    — Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of gamble
Verb
  • Would the 7-foot-3 center show off his extraordinary passing skills, flinging the ball to a teammate for a backdoor layup?
    — Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Onstage, Barile was a wild ball of energy, flinging himself into the air while playing guitar and kicking his legs mid-jump, which made a lasting impression on crowds, especially while opening for bands like Dead Kennedys or Negative Approach.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of fling
Noun
  • The 46 economists surveyed by Wolters Kluwer Blue Chip Economic Indicators estimate a 47% chance of recession, up from 25% in February.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Fire’s best chance came in the 88th minute when Jonathan Bamba’s point-blank shot was stopped by Ustari.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of chance

Phrases Containing throw

Browse Nearby Words

through streets
throw
throw away
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Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on throw

Nglish: Translation of throw for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about throw

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