throw 1 of 2

verb

ˈthrō How to pronounce throw (audio)
Definition of thrownext
1
as in to toss
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm threw a life preserver to the drowning man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to drop
to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally the attacker threw his victim to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

throw

2 of 2

noun

as in chance
a risky undertaking a desperate throw, that could jump-start his presidential campaign or end it right there

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word throw distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of throw are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, sling, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," 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 cast take the place of throw?

The synonyms cast and throw are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

Where would fling be a reasonable alternative to throw?

While the synonyms fling and throw are close in meaning, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When could hurl be used to replace throw?

The meanings of hurl and throw largely overlap; however, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

When would pitch be a good substitute for throw?

The words pitch and throw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can sling be used instead of throw?

In some situations, the words sling and throw are roughly equivalent. However, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When might toss be a better fit than throw?

Although the words toss and throw have much in common, 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 throw
Verb
On Friday, Zobac threw his first live batting practice. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026 The first group of Texas Rangers pitchers that threw a bullpen session Saturday afternoon included two-time Cy Young award winner Jacob deGrom. —Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
Then, Daulton Varsho grounded a ball to Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas, and the throw to catcher Will Smith was just in time to nail the pinch-running Kiner-Falefa. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026 Brown has had custom throws made in the same fabric as a couch or chair. —Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
  1. toss
  2. drop
  3. chance
  4. hurl
  5. flatten
  6. gamble
  7. fling
  8. venture
Verb
  • This version of the Hawaiian snack — buttery and tossed with seaweed and sesame seeds — is adapted from food stylist Caroline Hwang’s recipe, which was passed to her from her friend, Corey Chow, former chef de cuisine at Per Se in New York, who adapted it from his mom.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Rather than tossing the sock into the trash, Baer finds a way to reuse it, adding it to her textile recycling pile.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of toss
Verb
  • Trump later dropped that threat.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • My favorite scene of them all, though, is the final cruise through their stomping grounds as Play, Kid, and their friend DJ Bilal (Martin Lawrence) drop Sharane and Sydney off at their cribs after bailing Kid out of jail.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years, but Thompson did not face the death penalty given his age at the time of the crimes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • There’s still a chance of some wintry mix on the front and back end.
    — Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of chance
Verb
  • Bondi had a binder at the ready of stats and crime summaries ready to hurl at lawmakers during the contentious hearing, but members are unnerved that DOJ apparently tracked their searches to have at the ready.
    — The Hill, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Hat trick's special place in hockey In hockey, a hat trick not only refers to scoring three goals or more in a single game, but it's often followed by spectators hurling their beanies, caps and other headwear onto the rink.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of hurl
Verb
  • Using a heat-safe spatula, flatten the cakes to about ¾-inch thick.
    — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But the film’s indifference to questions of authenticity ends flattening one of the story’s most uncomfortable and essential truths.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of flatten
Noun
  • Five years later, that gamble has paid off — big time.
    — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Leaning on Devaughn Vele, whom the Saints acquired via trade shortly before the 2025 season, might be a bit of a gamble.
    — The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of gamble
Verb
  • Nothing in the room, which for most 6-year-olds would feature toys flung aside and clothes sprawled on the carpet, was accidental.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Marie Lansiaux, assistant hatter at Henri Henri, said at the time, spectators who flung their hats onto the ice would go retrieve their headwear at a counter after the game.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of fling
Noun
  • Peter Thiel, a venture capitalist and co-founder of Palantir and PayPal, appeared in the Epstein files, with the latest release showing correspondence between and about the two.
    — Dylan Butts, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This new venture continues their mission of getting movies in front of the people who most want to see them.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of venture

Phrases Containing throw

Browse Nearby Words

through streets
throw
throw away
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on throw

Nglish: Translation of throw for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about throw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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