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 Two teens were arrested after a Black teenager was assaulted at a Brooklyn subway station by a mob of white attackers who hurled racial slurs at him — with one suspect throwing a banana at him, police said Wednesday. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025 Battle also detailed an incident in February 2019, when Elmont cheerleaders allegedly hurled racial slurs at spectators supporting Bellmore-Merrick. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 17 Mar. 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 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
  • If consumed, Salmonella infection side effects could be vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever, the FDA says.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • According to the mother, the infant vomited multiple times over the next few days, so an appointment was set up with a pediatrician on April 4, 2023, according to the warrant affidavit.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • Just before the tornado touched down, 445 graduates of Joplin High School had just completed their graduation ceremony and had to scurry to find cover.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Getty Images While the TikTok ban has lawmakers scurrying and chatter about Chinese influence over U.S. tech at a fever pitch, another danger is lurking.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 Jan. 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
  • Wear it with white pants and loafers for the office, or throw it over a swimsuit as an effortless beach cover-up.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of throw
Verb
  • On Wednesday, a different plane flying the same route from Charlotte to Augusta also experienced a mechanical issue, American Airlines told CNN.
    — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The 27 satellites will be the heaviest payload ever flown on an Atlas V and require ULA to launch it in its most-powerful configuration using five strap-on solid rocket boosters.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 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
  • Sellers, a redshirt freshman taking over for Spencer Rattler, emerged as a dynamic dual threat, passing for 2,534 yards, rushing for 674 and generally providing belief to the rest of the team.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of rush
Verb
  • But, as the Chicago Cubs rookie flung fastball after fastball against the Cincinnati Reds, his sense of autonomy was not.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Or the Sunday afternoon at Brookfield Zoo when his eyewear was flung into one of the primate cages.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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