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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 Protesters set fire to an ambulance and hurled objects at riot police guarding the legislature, Reuters reported, citing a local official. Sugam Pokharel, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 Some protesters forced their way into the parliament complex by breaking through a barricade, a local official said, setting fire to an ambulance, hurling objects at riot police, and ferrying the injured to the hospital on motorcycles. Gopal Sharma, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 Born in what is now Zimbabwe, Bland spent hours as a child hurling stones at telegraph poles. James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025 An inning later, Royals reliever John Schreiber allowed consecutive doubles and hurled a wild pitch as Los Angeles extended the lead. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
Verb
  • Then, early in the morning of February 18, Chernyak began having seizures and vomiting in his bunk bed.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The first crazy thing that happens to the movie Smurls is when a kitchen chandelier almost falls on them, though the most visceral is when oldest sister Dawn Smurl (Beau Gadsdon) suddenly vomits up pieces of glass, leaving the sink and her face a bloody mess.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There were quick glimpses of a Monty Mole burrowing underground, Cheep Cheeps swimming in a stream and Toads scurrying around the castle.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The older dog is shown marching along, while the puppy scurries along, attempting to match its pace.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While much of last season was a lost cause due to Tua Tagovailoa being injured, the Dolphins still aren't throwing the ball downfield.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Or, take after Aniston by throwing them on with flip-flops and a basic T-shirt.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While some travelers choose to fly on Thanksgiving Day for lower prices and crowds, most leave at least a day early to avoid the risk of cancellations or delays upending their holiday plans.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Two games in, though, the Packers have passed both tests with flying colors.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One night earlier, Cecconi tossed eight scoreless innings and carried a no-hitter through seven.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Move the ingredients to the hole and toss to cover them with the sauce.
    Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Panthers were always going to favor Jones and DJ Wonnum in a pass-rushing rotation.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Paramedics rushed him to the hospital.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At the plaza, Seth Teasdale was nearby as Kirk flung some caps into the crowd, then settled into his seat under the canopy to take questions.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Her flippers, each more than two feet long, scooped out sand and flung it to her sides in slow, determined strokes.
    M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But a ship arrived and everyone hurried aboard without understanding a word of what the greeter was saying.
    Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Some people never even showed, despite me calling them repeatedly to hurry up.
    Jack Hargreaves, The Dial, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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