THREW OFF Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

threw off

verb

past tense of throw off

as in distracted

to draw the attention or mind to something else the sudden noise just threw me off completely, and I missed my shot

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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 threw off Tua Tagovailoa, held out of Wednesday’s practice because of a back injury flare-up, threw off to the side. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 30 July 2026 Ohtani threw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since receiving an Orthovisc injection in his left knee to lubricate the joint. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 An outdated answer key threw off the results of a Security Forces promotion exam, prompting the Air Force to rescore more than 2,200 tests. — James Powel, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Those headaches were worth it when scaled media businesses threw off gushers of cash and provided a cultural imprimatur that few other assets could. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 The Wolverines threw off their gloves and swarmed each other on the infield to celebrate. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 1 May 2026 Quarterback Carson Beck threw off his back foot. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Mauricio threw off his helmet and ran into center field before being caught by teammates, who swarmed him and doused him with water on a windy day at Citi Field. — CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 The lefty first threw off flat ground and then a bit off a mound. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threw off

Verb

He was distracted by his own grief, and so was everyone else.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
And while the fall prestige slate has not been revealed, the Academy membership has a habit of falling for a summer release in July and then being distracted by new, shiny objects in January.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 July 2026

Definition of distracted

Verb

Hicks said an off-duty state trooper and an armed citizen — whose identities weren't immediately disclosed — both fired back and diverted the gunman from the restaurant.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Due to the Brooklyn Bridge closure, drivers heading into Manhattan were diverted from Centre Street Exit to either FDR Drive or the Park Row South Exits.

— Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026