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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 And, not far from where the police fired tear gas and rubber bullets and where protesters hurled rocks and concrete, the remains of five self-driving WAYMO vehicles were charred as onlookers passed by and took photos with their smartphones. Terry Collins, USA Today, 11 June 2025 To them, disorder is not activists hurling bottles and rocks at ICE vehicles and members of the National Guard, torched self-driving cars and American flags, and freeways shut down to the taxpaying public. Debra J. Saunders, Oc Register, 10 June 2025 As protests against immigration raids grip the Los Angeles area, the FBI is searching for a man who allegedly hurled rocks at federal vehicles. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 10 June 2025 His career, his real identity and his mission are pitted against his heart; hurling them both into a deadly game of international intrigue and espionage. Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
Verb
  • Groups of patients that gradually increased dosage had lower rates of discontinuations and vomiting than those who did not.
    Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • Tom Cruise recalled that all the actors who tried to perform in those fighter jets vomited their brains out.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The rats all scurry out of an ominous rustling bush, making their own little Fast and the Furriest sequel.
    Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 6 June 2025
  • Several of the party’s candidates scurried around the Anaheim convention center, trying to curry favor with the state’s most liberal activists while also drawing contrasts with their rivals.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Ohtani recorded two strikeouts while throwing 18 pitches, allowing his only baserunner on an error when Mookie Betts dropped a popup in the sun.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • The match was initially suspended as seats in the Salernitana section of the ground were ripped up and thrown onto the pitch, alongside flares, and the referee took both sets of players off the field and back into the changing rooms.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Nearly two weeks ago, 62 carbon-spewing private jets reportedly flew world leaders into Kananaskis, Canada, for the G7 summit, raising serious questions about the travel choices of those who are supposed to be tackling climate change and other global crises.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 25 June 2025
  • The mission is flying to the orbiting lab in a brand-new SpaceX Dragon and will spend about two weeks up there, during which time the crew will conduct about 60 different scientific experiments.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • As for her glam, the jewelry designer tossed her hair back into a messy bun with strands of hair to frame her face.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
  • Pomeranz has now tossed 18 1/3 innings for the Cubs and has yet to allow an earned run.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Before the doctor could see her, she was rushed to the emergency room.
    Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
  • Pablo the Newfoundland gets dried off after a bath, minutes before he's rushed to the vet.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Teammates flung rubber rats at him after home games.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
  • As planets jostle for space, the chaos can cause some to be flung into much wider orbits.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The woman and her caretaker hurried home after spotting the animal, the outlet noted.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • The ship’s list was already so pronounced that the drawer of the café’s cash register was slung open, and the pair were passed by officers and stewards hurrying to their boat stations, their arms out to each side like customers negotiating the tumbling barrel of a fun house.
    Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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