cast 1 of 2

verb

ˈkast How to pronounce cast (audio)
Definition of castnext
1
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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2
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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3
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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4
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

1
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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2
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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3
as in glance
an instance of looking especially briefly a mischievous cast in his eye when we asked what our destination would be

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4
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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5
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
Since then, The Bachelor has brought in the showrunner from Summer House and a casting company known for hiring talent for various Real Housewives franchises. —Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 Its problems with race are well-documented—this is a franchise that didn’t cast a Black man as the Bachelor until 2020–and its purity culture uptightness has long begun to wear thin. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
In January of 1995, Kevin Powell, an original Real World cast member turned hip-hop scribe, went to Rikers Island for a Vibe cover story. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 Sep. 2025 Before joining Wednesday, Armisen gained widespread recognition as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (2002–2013). —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cast
  1. radiate
  2. aim
  3. prepare
  4. throw
  5. prediction
  6. shade
  7. glance
  8. look
Verb
  • Gynecological Conditions Problems in the female reproductive organs can cause radiating pain to the lower right back.
    — Brandi Jones, Health, 6 Sep. 2025
  • How to change a system with a prototype Walton and Makhija’s ambitions start locally, but quickly radiate outwards.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of radiate
Verb
  • Breeze Basketball Club and Hive Basketball Club will add 12 players to rosters, while six additional athletes will enter a season-long development pool aimed at strengthening depth and competitiveness.
    — Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In order to embolden and support his organization, bin Laden often videotaped himself with messages aimed at his target audience, established training centers in Afghanistan, had an expansive funding network that included wealthy individuals, couriers, mosques and other complex ways to raise funds.
    — Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Crunch talks The industry split on this issue comes as auto bosses prepare to meet the EU’s von der Leyen on Friday.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • House Republicans’ divisions on how the United States should engage in foreign wars will be on full display on Wednesday as the House prepares to vote on a handful of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act.
    — Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • While much of last season was a lost cause due to Tua Tagovailoa being injured, the Dolphins still aren't throwing the ball downfield.
    — Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Or, take after Aniston by throwing them on with flip-flops and a basic T-shirt.
    — Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Tropical weather experts at Colorado State University echo these predictions, saying overall atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns, will shift in a manner that supports a notable increase in activity.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • My preseason prediction of nine wins feels very much in play.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of prediction
Noun
  • Rather than cool or platinum tones, opt for caramel, sand, and honey shades.
    — Jeanne Ballion, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The deep red shade is ideal for fall, while the neon pink piping and drawstrings add a unique touch.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of shade
Noun
  • This rookie class, at first glance, was everything it was expected to be.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Running full speed and without breaking stride, the Red Sox center fielder took one glance at the wall, leapt up and dug his cleat into the cushion to give himself an extra boost.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • There were quite a few troubling snaps to Young, and that’s a tough look for a pair that have worked together at their positions in each of the past two summer.
    — DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Apple has redesigned its iPhone 17 Pro lineup for its boldest look yet.
    — Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of look

Phrases Containing cast

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cassettes
cast
cast about
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Cite this Entry

“Cast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cast. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cast

Nglish: Translation of cast for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cast

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