hurl

verb

ˈhər(-ə)l How to pronounce hurl (audio)
Definition of hurlnext
1
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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2
as in to scurry
to proceed or move quickly a fighter jet hurled through the sky

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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 Inside the truck, the bodies of three teenage boys hurled forward, each with terrible velocity. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025 The strongest solar flare so far this year hurled streams of plasma and charged particles into the cosmos and caused communications blackouts on five continents. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 15 May 2025 Among other revelations, these records recount an incident when a highly intoxicated Sokola, 20 years of age and fighting with a friend, hurled a garbage bag from the window of her East Village apartment building, a 911 call alerting police. —Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 John Byler hurled the final 2 1/3 frames, giving up four runs on three hits. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl
  1. vomit
  2. scurry
  3. throw
  4. fly
  5. toss
  6. rush
  7. fling
  8. hurry
Verb
  • Then, the other person came into the store and told her Jose was vomiting blood, according to the court records.
    — Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
  • Without the compounds in ayahuasca that slow the breakdown of DMT in your body—or the ones that notoriously make ayahuasca drinkers vomit—the substance flashes through the brain at turbo speed.
    — Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • On April 21, during a live broadcast of Inside the NBA, the 53-year-old basketball hall of famer suddenly scurried off the studio set with an apparent bathroom emergency.
    — Sean Neumann, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • After the game, which had an early start time of 11 a.m., the seniors scurried to put on their caps and gowns for a 3:30 ceremony at the University of Texas Arlington College Park Center.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025
Definition of scurry
Verb
  • Its steering is tight and precise, and throwing its 1,800kg mass around bends is heaps of fun thanks to its grippy tyres.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The Justice Department is also throwing its support behind a pending lawsuit alleging similar violations of girls’ rights in the Riverside Unified School District, said U.S. Atty.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of throw
Verb
  • This technology allows even those with limited flying experience to handle the bike safely and confidently.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
  • Perez was intentionally walked to load the bases, but the Royals stranded all three runners as Maikel Garcia flew out to right field.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025
Definition of fly
Verb
  • Winner: Lenovo Legion Go S Tech Specs: Upscaling Is the Secret Sauce Gaming handhelds have to do it all—support the latest and greatest games while maintaining a form factor that can be tossed into your bookbag.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
  • Another tossed a traffic cone into the vehicle’s windshield, damaging it.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • Questions rushed through my head: What are my clothes going to look like?
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • He was rushed to Lutheran General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with cancer despite having previously had no symptoms.
    — Latoya Gayle, People.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of rush
Verb
  • But Ellwood also unearthed video of a young George looking down and away on stage as Culture Club performs an early club show and homophobic slurs are flung at him from the crowd.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The doors of the old barn were flung open and people of all ages and backgrounds crushed around the stage and spilled over onto the lawn.
    — Joy Callaway, People.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of fling
Verb
  • Snag a pair before the sale ends on May 26 at 8 a.m. Eastern, and hurry, because popular styles and sizes are sure to fly off the (virtual) shelves.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Aunt Phoebe hurries the girls home — to their residences and to the Red Center — before any cloak-red blood gets spilled.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

hurdling
hurl
hurled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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