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

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 inciting incident for that arrest was captured on video that TMZ published in March, and showed Paul hurling metal bar stools toward Mortensen. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 July 2026 At two Argentina matches during this year’s tournament, fans from the country were recorded hurling racist slurs at an African American streamer. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 Opposing fans and supporters alike have hurled racist abuse at Mbappé. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 The grandson escaped, but the bison hooked McDaniel near his hip with one horn and hurled him several feet into the air. — Kelly McGreal , Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 13 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

The plane stopped, passengers scurried to the terminal and airport employees climbed up on the wings trying to keep the airliner from blowing away.

— Dan Kelly July 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
Waterbucks stood tall and stately along the trail and hordes of the little Angola impalas scurried across in front of us.

— Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 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

In a scene that unfolds in slow motion, a canister of tear gas is tossed into the couple’s home, tearing through their veil of domestic bliss.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026
Dennis in the most unsatisfying way possible — by tossing him off a roof and not even giving Murray Bartlett a chance to wax poetic about life and death — Paula is quickly cleared of all charges.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of toss

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

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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hurl

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