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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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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 Giant planets coalesce farther out in the cooler regions of their stars’ natal disks, where ice and gas are more abundant; hot Jupiters are thought to have been hurled inward soon after their formation. Nola Taylor Tillman, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2025 Walking away from a fight or turning the other cheek at someone hurling insults your way would be an insult to our own ego and pride. Ed Lavandera, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 Words have been hurled from both sides in the week leading up to Saturday’s game, making this iteration even more enticing. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025 People saw it not once, not twice, but over and over, frequently dressing up as the characters and hurling things — toast, rice, puns, obscenities — at the screen. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
Verb
  • This agitprop is vomited out 24/7 by Democrat media apparatchiks who were also unerringly described by Orwell in his novel 1984.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Actually, Alma does suffer from ulcers, which cause her extraordinary stomach pain and vomiting at inconvenient moments, and cause viewers to wonder not if but when such clumsy symbolic traits will be trotted out in the future.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some firms have scurried to ship early, but even a few days’ delay at sea could blow up their margins.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Inside, there’s the occasional model being fitted and photographed, outside there are truck drivers, caterers, lighting specialists and many more milling around or scurrying about.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There was one consequential defensive bust that was likely related to Warner’s absence, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was particularly effective throwing to the middle of the field, where Warner usually roams.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Quarterback Jared Goff, originally under center, went in motion out to the left and running back David Montgomery threw a pass to him.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 2023 Texas Rangers lost here on the final day of the regular season, which forced them to fly across the country and start the playoffs on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Following a medical evaluation, Alaska Airlines said its crew was cleared to fly, and the aircraft continued on after a 90-minute delay.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Randy Johnson tossed the ceremonial first pitch on Wednesday.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Justice Department has also argued to the justices for the current Gingles framework be tossed.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kim rushed home to find Kris lying on a stretcher with a neck brace.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Robinson rushed for 170 yards on 19 carries with an 81-yard touchdown that blew this game wide open in favor of the home team.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Joey Ortiz flung out his bat and hit a soft grounder to Muncy’s left at third base.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • From the window of a black pickup truck, a diaper was flung, narrowly missing them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But with victory comes hustle as stores hurried to fill the demand of playoff gear.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Duane heard the shooting and hurried around to help.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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