throw off
verb
threw off; thrown off; throwing off; throws off
1
3
: to produce in an offhand manner : execute with speed or facility
… some little … tune that the composer had thrown off …—
James Hilton
James Hilton4
a
: to cause to depart from an expected or desired course
mistakes threw his calculations off a bit
b
: to cause to make a mistake : mislead
Examples of throw off in a Sentence
the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot
Recent Examples on the Web
This step allows users to adjust their workflows and click patterns before an operating system switchover changes the taskbar's color and throws off team members.
—Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The process of transplanting a tree into your garden can throw off the flower production process for a year or two.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Greene isn’t scheduled to throw off a mound for about 10 more days, Francona said Tuesday.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Olive Greens Olive greens can be earthy and soothing, but the wrong shade can throw off your home’s exterior.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for throw off
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.
Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The process of transplanting a tree into your garden can throw off the flower production process for a year or two.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Greene isn’t scheduled to throw off a mound for about 10 more days, Francona said Tuesday.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Olive Greens Olive greens can be earthy and soothing, but the wrong shade can throw off your home’s exterior.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for throw off
Cite this Entry
“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20off. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
