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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 He is accused of using a hammer to break two windows before hurling Molotov cocktails inside to spark the blaze. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 This churning involves the storms dredging up ammonia in some places and hurling it far into the Jovian depths as slushy hailstones in others. Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Since mid-March, the U.S. military has hurled more than $200 million worth of missiles, bombs, and rockets into the remote deserts and mountains of Yemen, in what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dubbed, with sublime ahistorical clumsiness, Operation Rough Rider. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025 Avery hurls the ball toward the basket, hitting the rim but missing. Laura A. Bischoff, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
Verb
  • Chaos ensues when Fred Armisen's auctioneer unveils the painting, prompting everyone else in the room to shout, vomit, and self-harm, including Samberg's then-castmates Bobby Moynihan, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The caption explained that Reggie did get sick later that night and vomited next to the bed, which was conveniently on the side where his owner sleeps.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Their eyes are more sensitive to movement, so fast-moving visuals—like scurrying mice—are particularly engaging.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Dismounting, the ship’s captain unlocked the outer gate, and his men scurried into the courtyard, squeezing through the small door that led into the gunpowder room.
    Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The first pitch Sánchez threw registered at 93.7 mph, something of a red flag considering his sinker has sat at 96 mph all season.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Iredale quickly fielded the ball and threw to second base.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Listen to this article 2 min The final day of the 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and these next four rounds will fly by with prospects hoping a dream calls their name to join them.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor.
    Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Pair them with your favorite bra top at the gym, and then toss on a slouchy tee or sweater after hours.
    Korin Miller, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Pally was courtside for the game and subsequent medal ceremony when cameras caught Curry tossing up a Mr. Throwback reference — chubby cheeks — from the podium.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jeanty was a Heisman finalist after leading Division I with 2,601 rushing yards and averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • After two strong seasons at Boise State, Jeanty had a historic 2024 season, rushing for 2,601 yards with 29 touchdowns while leading the Broncos to the College Football Playoff.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Would the 7-foot-3 center show off his extraordinary passing skills, flinging the ball to a teammate for a backdoor layup?
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Onstage, Barile was a wild ball of energy, flinging himself into the air while playing guitar and kicking his legs mid-jump, which made a lasting impression on crowds, especially while opening for bands like Dead Kennedys or Negative Approach.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Traders in January hurried to build up inventories ahead of tariffs, according to a recent USA TODAY analysis.
    Dian Zhang, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Ron hurried to change positions before the tom flew down.
    Thomas Weddle, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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