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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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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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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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
Many Republican Senators, on the other hand, cast doubt over Monarez’s testimony. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 17 Sep. 2025 That is what has really cast uncertainty into the system and the prospects going forward now are significantly diminished. —Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
The cast includes Ali Ahn, Ato Essandoh, Celia Imrie and Miguel Sandoval. —Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025 Rounding out the cast are Ashley Walters (Top Boy, Bulletproof), Erin Doherty (The Crown, A Thousand Blows), Faye Marsay (Game of Thrones, Black Mirror), and Christine Tremarco (Wolfe, Clink). —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
  1. radiate
  2. aim
  3. prepare
  4. throw
  5. prediction
  6. shade
  7. glance
  8. look
Verb
  • And so, over time, as the internal temperature keeps rising, the sun radiates ever more sunlight.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The artistry hinged on soft black liner framing the eyes, a pop of copper shimmer on the lids, and skin that radiated health.
    — Essence, Essence, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • Anchored in two of the city’s most iconic venues —Pepper Place and the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark — Southbound aims to do more than feed a crowd.
    — Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The drone, according to Defense Express, aimed at the 200-kilowatt radio receiver at the heart of the telescope.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • The San Diego State football team, idle over the weekend, has had two weeks to prepare for this weekend’s nonconference game against Cal.
    — Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Or preparing their kid for what is next in life.
    — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • He was replaced by Jake Browning, who threw for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions and rushed for another score.
    — Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • So Georgia Republicans threw me out of their party.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Tropical weather experts at Colorado State University (CSU) echo these predictions, saying overall atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns, will shift in a manner that supports a notable increase in activity.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Amodei has faced backlash this year for overly ambitious predictions, including saying six months ago that 90 percent of code would be written by AI in six months.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu, who opted for shade Warm Honey, agrees that the shade matching was effortless.
    — Lily Wohlner, Allure, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Those Danessa Myricks blurring balms that offer a flawless complexion finish and luminous blush in all the right shades?
    — Essence, Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • At first glance, Beijing’s willingness to play ball on TikTok looks like a sharp reversal from its years of resistance to relinquishing control over the viral video app – the first global social media hit to come out of China.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
  • At first glance, the bracelet’s gadroons appear to be a decorative feature of the gold surface.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • Next comes a look at all the various teams spun off from the Avengers.
    — Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • After the shell is created, it is filled with a unique silicone gel, which helps give the implant a soft, natural look and feel.
    — Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of look

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 22 Sep. 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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