HURL Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hurl

verb

ˈhər(-ə)l

Definition of hurl next

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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as in to scurry

to proceed or move quickly a fighter jet hurled through the sky

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 One of his favourites was dal paran — a traditional folk competition which involves hurling stones off the side of a mountain. —

Colin Millar, New York Times, 27 June 2026 Whether your 9-to-5 job involves a rare combination of manual record keeping and precarious wilderness travel, or your idea of outdoor recreation includes journaling your day while remaining at the ready for whatever nature hurls at you, the all-new Pen-metheus equips you for it all. —

New Atlas, 22 June 2026 At its core, the hearing involved two former business partners hurling major accusations against one another. —

Lauren Victory, CBS News, 22 June 2026 Or other words that have been hurled at him. —

Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl

Verb

And Sydney vomiting out the news of Carmy’s departure is definitely something.

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Stephanie Franklin, the mother of a close friend of Benning, took multiple photos of the apartment while wearing gloves and removed a bed comforter that Benning had vomited on.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Definition of vomit

Verb

Meanwhile, in King’s Landing, Alicent scurries the great halls, desperate to shore up support for her plan to hand Rhaenyra the Red Keep.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
This lakeside meal tops things off with ice cream sandwiches, a classic dessert for scurrying around the dock, deck, and everywhere in between.

— Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 June 2026

Definition of scurry

Verb

Adeline André will close out the official calendar in Paris, on Thursday at 4pm, while a number of attendees will fly to Rome for the Fendi show that evening at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Norway and Brazil were locked in a tense, back-and-forth game Sunday, in the round of 16, until Haaland came flying in with that header to give Norway a 1-0 lead.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of fly

Verb

Contreras was tossed immediately, while Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton, interim manager Chad Tracy and Washington pitcher Miles Mikolas were all sent to the showers early.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Guardians rookie Cooper Ingle made a routine catch last night and tossed the ball into the stands.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of toss

Verb

With the grace of a bull in a china shop, Thiero flung himself toward the rim.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
On sunny days at Spiteful Brewing, the garage doors are flung open and the outdoor patio brims with friends toasting the summer in Chicago over snacks or pizza.

— Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of fling

Browse Nearby Words

hurdling

hurl

hurled

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“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hurl

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