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“Throes” or “Throws”

throes / throws are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

throes th·r·OW·z

  • nounviolent pangs of suffering.

throws th·r·OW·z

  • nounthe act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist).
  • nouna single chance or instance.
  • nounthe maximum movement available to a pivoted or reciprocating piece by a cam.
  • nounbedclothes consisting of a lightweight cloth covering (an afghan or bedspread) that is casually thrown over something.
  • nouncasting an object in order to determine an outcome randomly.
  • verbpropel through the air.
  • verbmove violently, energetically, or carelessly.
  • verbplace or put with great energy.
  • verbcause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation.
  • verbto put into a state or activity hastily, suddenly, or carelessly.
  • verbmake on a potter's wheel.
  • verbcause to fall off.
  • verbthrow (a die) out onto a flat surface.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“throes”

  • In the horse's death throes, Mann was thrown to the…
  • …was in its final death throes.

“throws”

  • …in a choke hold, Pappy throws him a can of spinach;…
  • And I think that throws you profoundly out of step…
  • Wisconsin used late free throws to deny 4th seeded North…
  • …driving engine tuned moped, and throws it into the lake of…
  • Incredible throws a Ferris wheel at her,…
  • …fouled and made both free throws.
  • To his dismay, his death throws his father into depression and…
  • …from the violet cards he throws.
  • Later, after Popeye throws the taxman into the sea…
  • …Walter.Brock is so impressed, he throws a party at the Yellow…

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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