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 Instagram functions more like a landing page nowadays, hurling content not to randos but to people who already follow the creator. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 17 Jan. 2025 Most recently, Ukrainian air force Sukhoi Su-27 fighters have been hurling the bombs at bridges in Belgorod Oblast in western Russia, aiming to cut off Russian troops in the oblast’s border region, where Ukrainian brigades have launched small-scale incursions. — David Axe, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 The hate being hurled at Elon Musk these days is beyond irrational. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025 Briony experiences intensely complicated feelings of both tenderness and disturbance; a session begins with hot chocolate and ends with Jamie hurling a chair. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Mar. 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
  • Pets may appear lethargic, exhibit loss of appetite, vomit or have diarrhea.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Then, one day in early December of the same year, Walker, who was in high school at the time, remembers lying in bed after being awake all night, vomiting and dealing with diarrhea.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • For years, getting travelers to see Athens as more than a transient city would take some convincing; the extent of their stay at the best hotels in Athens would merely include a brief bucket-list visit to the Acropolis before scurrying off to the Greek islands.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But even that nice moment is tempered by the sound of something scurrying about somewhere in or around her villa.
    — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of scurry
Verb
  • Several viral videos have captured audiences of the blockbuster video game adaptation going wild, throwing food and drink, and trashing auditoriums.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Augusta National Golf Club throws its support behind distance restrictions of golf balls and improving the pace of play.
    — Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of throw
Verb
  • Six women will fly to space on the Blue Origin Rocket: former television anchor and fiancée of Jeff Bezos Lauren Sánchez, CBS journalist Gayle King, singer Katy Perry, civil rights activist and scientist Amanda Nguyen, movie producer Kerianna Flynn, and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe.
    — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The aircraft flew north along the Hudson River and later turned south after reaching the George Washington Bridge, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of fly
Verb
  • Simpson visited the Menendez family’s home in the 1970s, even tossing a football with Lyle in the backyard.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The footage, captured at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, allegedly showed Ventura walking toward a bank of elevators as Combs chased after her, then grabbing her by the neck and tossing her to the floor before turning to violently kick her and grab her purse and suitcase.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • The mayhem unfolded after the teen was walking back into the lobby area when Sampson rushed over to the girl and grabbed her arm, the affidavit reads.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration's massive tariffs on China have Apple flying planes full of iPhones to the U.S. and consumers rushing to buy them before the prices potentially skyrocket.
    — Angrej Singh, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of rush
Verb
  • They are seen flinging a pizza box into their bucolic yard, smearing their faces with paint, raising their middle fingers, and saying naughty words.
    — Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Currently, the two sides are flinging a variety of discovery and dismissal motions back and forth.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of fling
Verb
  • The deals are on now and are good until April 14, so hurry and upgrade your Microsoft Office system today.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Listen to this article Mayor Adams on Monday urged the judge presiding over his public corruption case to hurry up and decide on outstanding dismissal motions before upcoming deadlines in the mayoral race.
    — Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 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 21 Apr. 2025.

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