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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Spurred by ProPublica’s reporting, Democrats have introduced a measure designed to block a right-wing strategy to disallow ballots after they were cast. —Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025 Piper was also cast as Skye on the show Mani at age 10 but left after Tiffany allegedly grew frustrated that another actress received more lines than her daughter, according to the docuseries. —Emily Krauser, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
What’s your reaction to your fellow cast members’ words? —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025 The original cast recording of Hamilton, the score of the videogame Minecraft and a milestone 1970 album by Miles Davis are among the 25 latest additions to the National Recording Registry. —Neda Ulaby, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
  1. radiate
  2. aim
  3. throw
  4. prediction
  5. shade
  6. glance
  7. look
  8. shape
Verb
  • Even outside of the event season, Pismo radiates that classic California charm with wide-open beaches, fresh seafood, and a town that greets everyone with a smile.
    — Pismo Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Today, most of Micanopy’s activity radiates from Cholokka Boulevard.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • The Culture community aimed at creating equitable business pathways for Black and Brown professionals.
    — Brianne Garrett, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Those relatively basic tactics have hardly evolved since the group first appeared as a threat aimed at Ukraine in late 2013.
    — Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Several viral videos have captured audiences of the blockbuster video game adaptation going wild, throwing food and drink, and trashing auditoriums.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Augusta National Golf Club throws its support behind distance restrictions of golf balls and improving the pace of play.
    — Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Notwithstanding predictions from high-profile international relations experts that the United States and China are likely to stumble into a war at some point in our lives, both have a pretty compelling interest in avoiding such a scenario.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the pundits’ predictions, early polling has shown Harris is widely favored to make a comeback after losing to Trump in November.
    — Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • The ornate design will look great will all your suitcase mainstays, plus shoppers have their choice of seven springy shades, from red to sage green.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Keep reading to learn about the four main paint shades that pros would rather not see in a hallway, and why.
    — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • At first glance, the one in downtown San José could have been a typical anti-Trump protest anywhere.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • At first glance, the one in downtown San Jose could have been a typical anti-Trump protest anywhere.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Drinking more water really is key to glowing skin, an extra few hours of sleep does more… Accessorize Pearl Jam Pearls are back, as one look at the Paris runways will attest.
    — Michael Odell, Air Mail, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of look
Noun
  • For now, the economy remains in solid shape by several key measures.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Its rectangular shape evokes a vintage cigarette pouch, and every detail harks back to the fashion house’s extensive, industry-defining legacy.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of shape

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 25 Apr. 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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