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
  • Their main symptoms were vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 17 July 2025
  • It is characterized by acid attacks from vomiting on teeth in general.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • My friend scurried to download it, but then the app takes you to a website that requires you to fill out a detailed form and establish an account.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Crazy ants, so named because of their erratic movements, scurry below.
    — Alina Hartounian, NPR, 7 July 2025
Definition of scurry
Verb
  • Facing a ream of questions about the future of MasterChef now that Wallace has been dismissed, Tim Davie threw his weight behind the BBC stalwart series, which is currently renewed up until 2028.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025
  • Through his first eight seasons with the Panthers, Newton threw for over 3,000 yards each year.
    — Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Definition of throw
Verb
  • The group was exchanged for more than 250 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. and flown in March to El Salvador's high-security prison.
    — Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • The scene concludes with a lot of digital images flying up on the screen and some positively insane synthesizer music from composer Ennio Morricone.
    — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of fly
Verb
  • Don't toss your wine corks—put them to use in your garden!
    — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
  • Just pulse the fillet in a food processor until finely chopped, then toss it with fresh, whole-wheat breadcrumbs (made in the same processor), as well as ginger, garlic, scallion and cilantro.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • Many organizations rush to implement tech without considering the impact on employee workflows, morale or training needs.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Neighbors quickly rushed to action, grabbing hoses and axes to help extract the plane’s passengers.
    — Rachel McRady, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of rush
Verb
  • The high-energy collision breaks and reconnects magnetic field lines, flinging solar wind particles across Earth's magnetosphere at speeds that can approach the speed of light.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
  • In a fraction of a second, the bison goes from standing to charging, and one or more people are thrown backward or even flung into the air.
    — Gabe Castro-Root, New York Times, 22 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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