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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 Since 2021-22, Premier League teams have been hurling more throws into the opposition box when given the opportunity. Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 May 2025 People hurled insults as the police started taking down the barricades. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2025 Those charges all stem from the death of Alexa Bartell, who died on April 19, 2023, when a large rock was hurled through the window of her car. Chris Spargo, People.com, 2 May 2025 While he’s gone, Louise really does give it the ol’ college try with Dane, who hurls threats, vile insults, and more threats in her direction. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
Verb
  • Stolarz, who took an earlier fastball to his facemask, soon skated to the bench and vomited over the boards.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
  • Sportsnet cameras caught Stolarz vomiting over the boards and into a bucket brought over by the team’s training staff.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • In one jump-cut scene, the little girl scurries back to the noodle stop through the market while percussive music plays, bursting with fear and excitement at her new illicit hobby.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2025
  • And if the Handmaids know that there’s something wrong with the cake, then that must have been June Osborne who Lydia saw scurrying out of the reception.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • When this happens, passengers are asked to dump their drinks out in a dedicated dumping facility or throw the whole thing away into a trash can.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
  • Angels outfielder Mike Trout, who went on the injured list May 2 with a left knee injury, did some throwing Friday and is continuing to progress in his rehab, but Washington said the team has no date for his return.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • This puts it far ahead of current lock-on-target drone guidance in Ukraine which simply flies directly at the target.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Washington left the event shortly after the screening began, having flown to France for the festival on his sole day off, portraying the titular role in Broadway's latest production of Othello.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Grapevine blanks Lubbock-Cooper for series lead Grapevine pitcher Luke Esquivel tossed a gem in Game 1 as the Mustangs shut out Lubbock-Cooper 4-0 in a Class 5A Division II regional final on Friday, May 23, at Brownwood High School.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
  • When serving, toss together individual portions and top with a few sliced cherry tomatoes.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • First responders rushed to the scene, although the investigation into the attack has been handed to the FBI.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • That has sparked accusations that investors, including from abroad, rushed to buy Trump's currency as a way to influence the president.
    Rafael Nam, NPR, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Jensen then flings the throw-in towards the near-post area… … and Wissa attacks the other one as Collins is battling to win the aerial duel.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 May 2025
  • The four men simultaneously flung open the four doors and raced for safety.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • In the clip, Danielle filmed her dog hurrying to the corner by the door.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Juan and Alfredo—who arrives just afterward—don’t have time to mourn their friend’s death and hurry to leave after seeing people with flashlights heading toward the building.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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