as in throwing
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm
catapulted a pumpkin into the next yard
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Recent Examples of catapulting
In 2014, Rosso brought on British fashion star John Galliano, who logged an eventful decade at the house, catapulting its global notoriety and fashion credentials.
—
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The past 20 years of research devoted to RNA modifications has led to what scientists have called an RNA Renaissance, catapulting RNA to become one of the most attractive macromolecules to study and use as vaccines and medicines.
—Marlene Belfort, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
In the decade to 2023, LNG imports rose by 70% catapulting it to the position of the world’s fourth-largest importer.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The company has played a hand in catapulting 18 sitting Fortune 500 CEOs, and 28 globally, to the top job, according to a 2025 analysis from Fortune editor Ruth Umoh.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026
With her buzzy role as the socialite and businesswoman Alexis Colby, Collins is widely credited with catapulting Dynasty’s ratings into the stratosphere.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The show took off, scoring a Season 2 renewal in December and catapulting its stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie onto the Golden Globes stage.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
His 2015 performance at the CMA Awards with his wife, Morgane, and Justin Timberlake was a landmark moment for Stapleton and the song, catapulting it back onto the charts, reaching Number One this time around.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
The year started off slowly for Hollywood, with the first real breakout, Warner Bros’ A Minecraft Movie, catapulting us into the spring.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The past 20 years of research devoted to RNA modifications has led to what scientists have called an RNA Renaissance, catapulting RNA to become one of the most attractive macromolecules to study and use as vaccines and medicines.
—Marlene Belfort, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
In the decade to 2023, LNG imports rose by 70% catapulting it to the position of the world’s fourth-largest importer.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The company has played a hand in catapulting 18 sitting Fortune 500 CEOs, and 28 globally, to the top job, according to a 2025 analysis from Fortune editor Ruth Umoh.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026
With her buzzy role as the socialite and businesswoman Alexis Colby, Collins is widely credited with catapulting Dynasty’s ratings into the stratosphere.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The show took off, scoring a Season 2 renewal in December and catapulting its stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie onto the Golden Globes stage.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
His 2015 performance at the CMA Awards with his wife, Morgane, and Justin Timberlake was a landmark moment for Stapleton and the song, catapulting it back onto the charts, reaching Number One this time around.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
The year started off slowly for Hollywood, with the first real breakout, Warner Bros’ A Minecraft Movie, catapulting us into the spring.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catapulting
Verb
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The council was established in April 2024, nearly three years after President Jovenel Moïse was killed at his residence, throwing Haiti into widespread upheaval.—
EVENS SANON,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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After Lathan Sommerville drew consecutive trips to the line, and no whistle blew when Dent was contacted on a drive, Cronin ran onto the court, throwing his fists in anger, and yelling at an official.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Glenn responded by hurling several racial slurs at Proctor.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Footage shows one of the several adults in the room looking towards a child before taking off what looks to be a white sneaker and hurling it across the room towards a child.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Whether that’s going to see a show, tossing some axes, cuddling with some cats at a café or racing down the slopes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
11 Feb. 2026
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In a small skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter, add hash brown squares and cook, tossing often, until crispy.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His frustration — flinging the ball into the floor, screaming at his team-mates — could have been a sign of a Chelsea team about to wobble.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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As an example of just how close people can get to the herd, there was a moment of levity at the event when one of the elephants began flinging what was believed to be a mixture of dirt and feces up onto the bridge.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This winter, bartenders at every Dante address (from the original on Macdougal Street, to its residency in Claridge’s in London) are slinging the Cranberry Spritz, which combines cranberry juice and Perrier-Jouët champagne with a housemade cranberry syrup spiced with cardamom and vanilla.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
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To instead watch the racial-slur slinging Kid Rock and his MAGA cronies.—
Prince J. Grimes,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Catapulting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catapulting. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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