HURL Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hurl

verb

ˈhər(-ə)l

Definition of hurl

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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as in to scurry

to proceed or move quickly a fighter jet hurled through the sky

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 At the Boston Tea Party Ships, all three children got to hurl crates of tea overboard into the harbor. — Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026 The man who was charged and hurled into the air by a bison at Yellowstone National Park is speaking out about the harrowing, now-viral incident. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 July 2026 Zeus and Poseidon are at it again—one hurling thunderbolts, the other whipping the sea into a frenzy. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 In that incident, teens dressed head-to-toe in black — some wearing hoods and masks — were seen throwing punches and hurling chairs as innocent bystanders sought safety. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl

Verb

And the consequences of a curious nibble can range from vomiting to emergency surgery to death.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
If symptoms escalate to vomiting, wobbling or bright red gums, get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Definition of vomit

Verb

Set on a stage at the very highest level of the stands, that similarly crowded performance looked like a Grammys medley on video but must have resembled ants scurrying around a screensaver to much of the in-person audience.

— Judy Berman, Time, 19 July 2026
McClair, a scurrying cerebral Glaswegian signed from Celtic and one of the few players to outsmart his boss Sir Alex Ferguson, had become the first in 20 years, since Best, to score 20 league goals for United.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of scurry

Verb

Iraola’s squad will fly back to Merseyside straight after the game against Leeds, with their pre-season schedule concluding with Anfield friendlies against Monaco and Como on August 9 and 16 respectively.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
FlightAware showed the Gulfstream originally was scheduled to fly from New Jersey to Miami in time for the third-place match between England and France but never took off.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026

Definition of fly

Verb

Since 2022, the Falcons haven’t finished worse than 10th in the NFL in rushing — and their new offense, led by coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, suggests that won’t soon change.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Spain’s technical staff and substitutes rushed off the bench to protest.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of rush

Verb

The ramyeon in the pot burbled over, and Bo hurried to the stove to turn off the gas.

— Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Rogan suggested that his guest should hurry up with Iran-war negotiations and get on with the real business of the government, such as finding out whether the government is secretly hoarding extraterrestrial corpses.

— Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

hurdling

hurl

hurled

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“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hurl

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