Arcane Archer

When you cast a spell that requires a successful melee weapon attack in order to trigger an effect, you can instead make a successful ranged weapon attack to trigger that effect. Additionally, if a spell would grant the effect of making a melee weapon attack, you can make a ranged weapon attack instead. (See Steel Wind Strike)

For example, you could cast Thunderous Smite, and then strike a foe with a thrown dagger to trigger the effect.