THROW Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

throw 1 of 2

verb

ˈthrō

Definition of throw next

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

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as in to drop

to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally the attacker threw his victim to the ground

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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

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sure thing

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

First pitches throughout the season are now often thrown by celebrities or locally important people. —

Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 An avid polo player for years, Grimm was injured from his chest down after being thrown from a horse in September 2024. —

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 29 May 2025

Noun

The lefty also tallied five hits, zero walks and 10 strikeouts — tying a season high — and one acrobatic throw that jokingly inspired comparisons to Derek Jeter. —

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025 Add a throw blanket or a pillow featuring a Southwestern motif to complete the Western aesthetic. —

Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw

Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw

Verb

Winner: Lenovo Legion Go S Tech Specs: Upscaling Is the Secret Sauce Gaming handhelds have to do it all—support the latest and greatest games while maintaining a form factor that can be tossed into your bookbag.

— PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
Another tossed a traffic cone into the vehicle’s windshield, damaging it.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025

Definition of toss

Cite this Entry

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“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Last Updated: 10 Jun 2025 - Updated example sentences

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