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 venture
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
Tariffs have already thrown sand in the gears of U.S. small businessess, the American auto industry, and other sectors that import their supplies from abroad. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025 Police are searching for a man who was caught on video throwing a dog to the ground and kicking it in Long Beach. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
The throw from second baseman Nico Hoerner was coming in just above the dirt. —Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 Bogaerts made a throw to second base that probably should have gone to first and was just a split-second late regardless. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw
  1. toss
  2. drop
  3. venture
  4. hurl
  5. flatten
  6. gamble
  7. fling
  8. chance
Verb
  • Pair them with your favorite bra top at the gym, and then toss on a slouchy tee or sweater after hours.
    — Korin Miller, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Galecki notes that the game is free, which prompts Cuoco to also toss her credit cards out the window.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • And even with personnel changes, the standard doesn’t drop.
    — Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
  • After Kev drops that bombshell on Harry, the two laugh over the fact that that's far from the worst thing Conrad has ever done.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of drop
Noun
  • The newest place to venture is The Rookery, which opened in December 2024 and features both a quaint garden and a comfortable lounge.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
  • That was the impetus for his latest business venture, appropriately named Game 7.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of venture
Verb
  • The massive Ford Raptor truck then reverses away from the lot, hurling Sloan to the ground.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Then, as Ventura was motionless on the floor, Combs appears to kick her and later hurls an object from a table at her.
    — Liam Quinn, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of hurl
Verb
  • Casualties could soar into the hundreds of thousands, and whole cities could be flattened.
    — Colin Jones, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Fatigue flattened the Astros and played a large part in their wild-card flameout.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of flatten
Noun
  • However, both of them will be highly scrutinized moving forward, as will the Ravens’ decision-makers for taking a second-round gamble on Green.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Beijing knows a full-scale invasion would risk direct war with the U.S., a destructive gamble for China’s already wobbly economy at a time when Trump has added 145% tariffs to its burdens.
    — Ian Bremmer, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of gamble
Verb
  • Would the 7-foot-3 center show off his extraordinary passing skills, flinging the ball to a teammate for a backdoor layup?
    — Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Onstage, Barile was a wild ball of energy, flinging himself into the air while playing guitar and kicking his legs mid-jump, which made a lasting impression on crowds, especially while opening for bands like Dead Kennedys or Negative Approach.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of fling
Noun
  • There is a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Saturday with a high of 80.
    — Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of chance

Phrases Containing throw

Browse Nearby Words

through streets
throw
throw away
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Cite this Entry

“Throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on throw

Nglish: Translation of throw for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about throw

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