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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 The deputies eventually fought with the man and hurled him against a jail wall with enough force to knock him out. Christopher Damien, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025 The movie cuts from the assassin pulling a machine gun from his bag to Joe hurling a pot of hot coffee at him, igniting a close-quarters battle that trashes the place. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025 Trump has repeatedly targeted Schiff and routinely hurls insults at the lawmaker, who was a central figure in his first impeachment. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025 The crew watched as the captain’s papers were hurled 50 feet into the air. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
Verb
  • These maggots vomit and excrete illuminated threads of bile to entice tiny insects to their deaths.
    Ann Patchett, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • That horrible mistake reveals itself several scenes later when Katie projectile vomits into her windshield.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Simply place the bait traps in areas where roaches typically scurry—along baseboards or in corners—and wait.
    Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The eye midge may have implanted itself elsewhere and there’s no telling where those other icky creatures from Prodigy’s labs have scurried off to, but those are questions that will no doubt be answered once/if FX announces a second season.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mahomes also spoke about the Chiefs’ win, which was by far the best Kansas City has looked this season and marked the first time since 2023 that Mahomes threw four touchdowns in a game.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • González had sentenced four young men to prison for throwing Molotov cocktails at a police chief’s vehicle and at an intelligence officer’s house in the town of Encrucijada, where Ferrer’s family lives.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Also, there is no Santa, but Alexia’s gay Jonny is there to trash-talk Todd once more before flying home to Spain.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The weapon can also fly more than 45 miles to strike mobile targets, reducing the amount of time that aircrews spend in harm’s way.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maddie—baggy hoodies tossed over an array of old tattoos, clearly carrying a heavy amount of life for her 28 years—gradually attempts to fill her daughter in on her own youth, treading a tightrope between honesty and delicacy.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Carelessness and accidents happen, however, so take some time with each season to go through items and toss anything that’s faded, shattered, or stopped working.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • White has the Bucs' only rushing touchdown this season.
    Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Normally, that kind of rushed means my base slips within a couple of hours—but Magic Hour came through again.
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Time will tell if Humberto will be swinging its partner round and round, flinging it harmlessly out to sea or closer to land.
    Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The battery is flung about 3 to 6 meters, which equals roughly 10 to 20 feet.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Jarda hurried over with a large beer and a vodka and set them in front of her.
    Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
  • That's why Amazon shoppers are hurrying to grab a soft and fluffy comforter for fall.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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