CAST Synonyms: 251 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cast 1 of 2

verb

ˈkast

Definition of cast

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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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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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

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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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

achromatism

as in glance

an instance of looking especially briefly a mischievous cast in his eye when we asked what our destination would be

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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

While the ruling in Tennessee applied to those 19 basketball players, the one in Colorado cast a wider net, granting the class certification the plaintiffs sought. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 Voters also will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for positions like state senators, representatives, county legislators and more. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Noun

Despite their size, they’re made from durable die-cast that can be stepped on and thrown around without breaking the toy. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 While details on season 15 have been kept under wraps, Mayo and Kinney were confirmed as returning to the show for season 15 in May, leaving the fates of most of the cast still in the air. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast

Verb

Meanwhile, the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower radiates from the Capricornus constellation and tends to feature brighter meteors that are easier to spot — around three per hour as seen from both hemispheres, the American Meteor Society reports.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
The Perpetually Composed, radiating calm while your insides are in chaos?

— Laide Alexander, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of radiate

Verb

In mid-July, the president’s son and influential adviser, Youssef Pezeshkian, posted a series of messages about the need to balance realistic military aims with a weak economy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
The school is in the due diligence period and aims to close on the property soon ahead of renovation work to turn office space back into classrooms for the 2027-28 school year.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of aim

Verb

While the summer focuses on prepared foods, the Toupses also do holiday drop-offs during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Valentine’s Day that provide ingredients for preparing festive meals at home.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
The accident occurred while the plane was conducting a sightseeing flight and preparing to begin its return journey, according to police reports to local press.

— Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of prepare

Verb

But Daemon gets thrown from the saddle, and Caraxes allows Sheepstealer to escape or at least to slink off into the woods to die alone.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
By the time all was said and done, Prielipp had walked three, including one with the bases loaded, and had thrown 35 pitches.

— Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of throw

Noun

Following the consolidation, the production capacity for Inpro’s shower curtains, cubicle curtains and roller shades was expected to increase, the company’s 2024 statement said.

— Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
With the synthetic turf, there’s no concern about the shade from the existing tree canopy and playing conditions will be consistent.

— Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of shade

Noun

Using Straight Paths A bold, linear path across a small garden quickly reveals the entire space in one glance.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026
Embraced by a number of celebrities since its debut, the silhouette might present a bit of an optical illusion upon first glance, appearing as if two sides of the pump are disconnected in the front.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Definition of glance

Noun

Meanwhile, the breathable linen pants keep the look comfortable in warmer destinations.

— Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
We’re drawn to the eclectic look of these outdoor chairs, which layer aluminum, wood, and a touch of weather-resistant textile into the design.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of look

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cast

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noun

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