cast
19 synonyms for cast, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To throw something, especially with some force or intent.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To throw something, especially with some force or intent.
“The child cast a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples spread.”
How to use cast
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cast a shadow
cast a vote
cast a spell
plaster cast
star-studded cast
Etymology
From Old Norse kasta ("to throw"), via Middle English casten — it eventually displaced the native English word "warp" in the sense of throwing.
Full origin of cast →Frequently asked questions
What does “cast” mean?
The word “cast” means to throw something, especially with some force or intent. In plain terms, to throw something, to pick actors for a show, to shape molten metal in a mould, or the group of actors/the plaster support for a broken bone.
How do you pronounce “cast”?
“Cast” is pronounced kahst (/kæst/ in IPA).
How do you use “cast” in a sentence?
Here is “cast” used in a sentence: “He cast the fishing line far out into the lake.”
What part of speech is “cast”?
Depending on how it is used, “cast” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “cast” come from?
The word “cast” comes from Middle English. From Old Norse kasta ("to throw"), via Middle English casten — it eventually displaced the native English word "warp" in the sense of throwing.
Is “cast” a common word?
“Cast” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cast” have?
“Cast” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to throw something, especially with some force or intent.
What is the difference between 'cast' and 'throw'?
Both mean to propel something through the air, but 'cast' suggests a deliberate, sweeping motion with purpose — casting a fishing line, a net, or a shadow. 'Throw' is the plainer, more general word for any act of hurling. Cast also carries figurative uses, such as casting a vote or casting doubt.
What is the past tense of 'cast'?
The past tense of 'cast' is simply 'cast' — the word does not change. You say 'yesterday she cast the line,' not 'casted.' 'Casted' is a common mistake and is not standard English. The same form serves the present, past, and past participle, much like 'cut' and 'put'.
What is an example of casting something?
Casting a fishing line is a classic example: the angler swings the rod to send the hook far out over the water. Other examples include casting a net over a shoal of fish, or casting a stone across a pond to make it skip.
