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
Luc Olson threw five scoreless innings and Jack Quirk homered for the Coyotes. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025 The real estate developer threw a blowout birthday party for the ages at the Bentley Residences Miami’s multimillion-dollar sales gallery. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
Field events include the long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put and weight throw. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 However, there’s one key piece to that equation to secure first: a cozy and warm throw blanket. —Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 25 Jan. 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
  • Meanwhile, another reader emphasized that the pot wasn’t hers to toss.
    — Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In two spring training starts, the righty has tossed three innings without allowing a run.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • Gomez completed the look with a peachy nude lip and a wavy bob, as well as a dazzling diamond choker and drop earrings.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Last month, Deere reported that its quarterly revenue dropped 35% as more farmers retained their aging equipment or switched to rentals due to weak incomes and high borrowing costs.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of drop
Noun
  • While many venture capitalists are still cautious about investing in healthcare solutions for the global poor, there is growing recognition that AI can cut costs, scale impact, and generate reliable returns if approached correctly.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The deal, which involves the sound recordings and copyrights of more than 4,000 songs, also encompasses the formation of a joint venture to release future recordings by Deadmau5 and from Mau5trap.
    — Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Apparently, my father approached the people hurling the insults and asked them to stop.
    — Scott Thompson, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • And even as South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace spent the beginning of 2025 hurling anti-trans slurs at Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride, the first out trans woman to serve in Congress, Democrats have largely remained silent.
    — Abby Monteil, Them, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of hurl
Verb
  • Importantly for the exhibitor that has been fighting through high debt since Covid flattened the sector, generated more than $200 million of cash from operating activities and approximately $114 million in free cash flow — its highest quarterly cash flow post pandemic.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Following the breach, a surge in withdrawals was seen but this later flattened.
    — Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of flatten
Noun
  • Both companies were shaky bets but the government’s gamble paid off.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The correct reclamation project gamble can make a sizable difference.
    — Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of gamble
Verb
  • This season, six teams are flinging the ball around that often.
    — Tony East, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • When the planets formed, smaller objects, named planetesimals, were flung away from the sun due to gravitational interactions and ended up settling on the very edge of the solar system.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of fling
Noun
  • At 6:13 of the period, the Blue Jackets went to the power play with a chance to push the lead to 4-1.
    — Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The pandemic gave many people more time at home and a chance to rethink their relationship to work.
    — Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of chance

Phrases Containing throw

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Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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