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 Throughout the episode, the two seem to be arguing over different things and hurling insults at each other. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 26 June 2025 Those fights got so intense that a number of influential figures on the online right have been hurling insults at each other. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 26 June 2025 The probe was one of a pair of Venus atmospheric landers hurled skyward during their respective go-to-Venus launch windows. —Leonard David, Space.com, 23 June 2025 The violence included rioters hurling projectiles at law enforcement officers and lighting numerous self-driving electric vehicles on fire. —Julia Bonavita , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 19 June 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
  • Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
    — Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 29 July 2025
  • Oftentimes, discomfort and queasiness become worse immediately before vomiting.
    — Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 7 July 2025
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • Three live roaches scurried in front counter cabinets with single service items are stored.
    — David J. Neal August 1, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Save for a few ear-piercing squeals, the day-old piglet happily took to bottle feeding and scurried around as several members of the Nashville Zoo veterinary team worked to weigh and examine him.
    — Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of scurry
Verb
  • His brother, Eugene Howard, threw him into a small pool of water, thereby probably saving his life.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
  • The Ortiz investigation is related to in-game prop bets on two pitches thrown by the right-hander that received higher activity than usual during his starts at Seattle on June 15 and against St. Louis on June 27.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Definition of throw
Verb
  • The carrier flies to more than 20 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico, A public charter air carrier, JSX provides service to both major airports like Burbank and Las Vegas and to those not served by major airliners.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • And keep an eye out for the penguin — the airline's mascot as penguins don't fly and technically, neither does this particular plane — which appears like an easter egg throughout the space.
    — Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of fly
Verb
  • Boyd’s brilliance on the evening extended his scoreless stretch to 23 innings and gave him 10 straight starts where he’s tossed at least five innings while giving up two or fewer runs.
    — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • Don't toss your wine corks—put them to use in your garden!
    — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
Definition of toss
Verb
  • Paramedics tried to resuscitate her and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
    — Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
  • Videos show Hawaii locals rushing to escape low ground following a tsunami warning after a powerful earthquake hit Russia.
    — Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Definition of rush
Verb
  • The high-energy collision breaks and reconnects magnetic field lines, flinging solar wind particles across Earth's magnetosphere at speeds that can approach the speed of light.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
  • In a fraction of a second, the bison goes from standing to charging, and one or more people are thrown backward or even flung into the air.
    — Gabe Castro-Root, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Definition of fling
Verb
  • Archer’s first delivery, timed at 87.4mph, hurried the left-handed Jaiswal.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The scene from election night On June 24, the night of the most recent meeting, members hurried into the Picnic House to hear the results of the votes.
    — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 7 July 2025
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

hurdling
hurl
hurled
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Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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