Toss: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for light, casual, or spontaneous actions, often with objects that aren't heavy. It's often used in informal contexts.

• He tossed the keys to his friend
• She tossed a coin to decide the winner

A general term for propelling something through the air. It is neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts.

• She threw the ball to her dog
• He threw his jacket onto the chair

Conveys a forceful or hasty action and can sometimes imply carelessness or anger. It is more intense than 'toss'.

• He flung the book across the room out of frustration
• She flung her arms around him in relief

Often used in the context of sports, particularly baseball. It implies a strategic, controlled throw.

• The pitcher pitched the ball perfectly
• He pitched his idea to the investors

Refers to a quick, light action with an element of rotation or turning over, commonly for small objects.

• He flipped the pancake in the pan
• She flipped the page to continue reading

Used when gently throwing something, usually in a casual way or when the object is light.

• I tossed the keys to him
• She tossed the salad with some dressing

Used when propelling something with force, typically in a general context or for heavier objects.

• She threw the ball to her friend
• He threw the stone into the river

Used when turning something over quickly or when referring to a coin toss to make a decision.

• He flipped the card to reveal the ace of spades
• Let's flip a coin to decide who goes first

Used to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain, often because it's equally likely to go either way.

• The game was a toss-up until the very end
• It's a toss-up whether he'll arrive on time or not