THROW OFF Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

throw off

verb

Definition of throw off

as in to distract

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 throw off Those who adore Kurosawa’s unsettling earlier films may be thrown off by his new movie’s relatively muted approach. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 And climate shifts are yet another threat to milkweed’s viability in particular locales, throwing off the distances and timing that are so crucial to each butterfly’s travels. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Both riders, who were not wearing helmets, were thrown off their motorcycles, police shared. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026 But the storm, which increased to category 3 in strength on Sunday, is throwing off energy that will generate surf in Southern California. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for throw off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for throw off

Verb

Nathan, already distracted, gets paranoid that Coop and Joe are laughing at him.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026
Aria Bendix, health reporter Read All About It An armed bystander distracted a gunman who opened fire at an Idaho In-N-Out Burger.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of distract

Verb

The strong winds forced a small plane carrying two Peruvian tourists and another aircraft carrying six foreign visitors to divert to the Marcona Airport, according to local media.

— Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
All northbound traffic on the Dan Ryan was being diverted off the expressway at 67th Street in both the local and express lanes for several hours after the crash.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of divert

Browse Nearby Words

thrown up

throw off

throw (on)

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“Throw off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throw%20off. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of throw off

verb

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