hurl

verb

ˈhər(-ə)l How to pronounce hurl (audio)
Definition of hurlnext
1
as in to vomit
to discharge the contents of the stomach through the mouth that meal was so gross I thought I was going to hurl

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to scurry
to proceed or move quickly a fighter jet hurled through the sky

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to throw
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm hurled snowballs at each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hurl distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hurl are cast, fling, pitch, sling, throw, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

When could cast be used to replace hurl?

While in some cases nearly identical to hurl, cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When would fling be a good substitute for hurl?

The words fling and hurl are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When can pitch be used instead of hurl?

The meanings of pitch and hurl largely overlap; however, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When is it sensible to use sling instead of hurl?

Although the words sling and hurl have much in common, sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

In what contexts can throw take the place of hurl?

While the synonyms throw and hurl are close in meaning, throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm.

can throw a fastball and a curve

Where would toss be a reasonable alternative to hurl?

The synonyms toss and hurl are sometimes interchangeable, but toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

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 hurl Throughout the episode, the two seem to be arguing over different things and hurling insults at each other. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 26 June 2025 Those fights got so intense that a number of influential figures on the online right have been hurling insults at each other. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 26 June 2025 The probe was one of a pair of Venus atmospheric landers hurled skyward during their respective go-to-Venus launch windows. —Leonard David, Space.com, 23 June 2025 The violence included rioters hurling projectiles at law enforcement officers and lighting numerous self-driving electric vehicles on fire. —Julia Bonavita , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
  1. vomit
  2. scurry
  3. throw
  4. fly
  5. toss
  6. rush
  7. fling
  8. hurry
Verb
  • On a transplant list, Kim Betts started vomiting and getting weaker.
    — Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • After eating a stew made from acacia nuts and prickly pear cactus, Will suffered terrible gastrointestinal stress, eventually vomiting blood.
    — Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 27 June 2025
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • For more than 70 years, thousands of common wall lizards, known as Lazarus lizards, have scurried across sidewalks and lurked in your garden.
    — Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • Then, scurrying back inside, Margo went straight for the unattended pantry.
    — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Definition of scurry
Verb
  • However, if Lillard is planning to sign with a team this year and wants to land more than the minimum, that throws a wrench into the larger free-agent landscape.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Unlike other characters that need to jump on enemies to defeat them, DK can throw an endless stream of haymaker punches in all directions and can even rip chunks of rock and the ground itself out to throw with precision.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
Definition of throw
Verb
  • Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.
    — Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • After his strike flew past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, Jimenez briefly celebrated with his teammates before sitting on the turf at NRG Stadium, pulling out a Mexico jersey with Jota’s name and number (#20), and mimicking playing a video game.
    — Martin Rogers, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Definition of fly
Verb
  • Cleaning this quilt is a breeze—just toss it in the washing machine and tumble dry for a refresh.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
  • Up to 75 mph winds ripped down power lines, tossed trees onto roads and railroad tracks and forced businesses to close for the day.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • The priest survived, but had to be rushed to the hospital to have shrapnel from the bomb removed from his body.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Humanity is rushing toward a climate cliff, and MAGA is jamming its foot on the gas pedal.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2025
Definition of rush
Verb
  • The same process could have flung 2I/Borisov out of its own star system.
    — Kiona N. Smith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Responsible disposal of smoking materials: Prudently discard cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Definition of fling
Verb
  • Archer’s first delivery, timed at 87.4mph, hurried the left-handed Jaiswal.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The scene from election night On June 24, the night of the most recent meeting, members hurried into the Picnic House to hear the results of the votes.
    — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 7 July 2025
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

hurdling
hurl
hurled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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