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

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 Against one-on-one coverage, Tyquan Thornton broke open on a deep out-breaking route, and with pressure in his face, Patrick Mahomes hurled a pass that Thornton caught for a 30-yard gain and a fresh set of downs. — Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026 Dust and rocky soil were hurled away at a higher angle than expected, according to Mark Robinson, chief scientist for the LRO’s cameras who works at Intuitive Machines. — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 Shot in Lancaster, California, in the middle of the desert, Skye throws a milkshake at a car before a group of people from the nearby diner rushes out and joins in, hurling food at the vehicle. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026 Dust and rocky soil were hurled away at a higher angle than expected, according to Mark Robinson, chief scientist for the LRO's cameras who works at Intuitive Machines. — CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurl

Verb

On the way home from swim lessons, Brooklyn vomited all over the back seat.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
In June, Clark vomited at halftime during a game against the Atlanta Dream, which the Fever went on to win.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of vomit

Verb

But she, and New York Times journalists observing the raid, were soon distracted by a group of cockroaches scurrying past an oil canister.

— Zishaan a Latif, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Crew members scurry over to the actors with a gardening-type tool, opening the nozzle and blowing a cloud of yellow and red dust onto us.

— Kyle Maclachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of scurry

Verb

Bella chews him out for punching Angus in the face right before Angus’s big presentation, which Johnny knew about because they were supposed to throw a return supper for him, a dinner Johnny was supposed to cook.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Victories by Germany’s AfD in state elections have thrown the viability of the country’s government into doubt, while France’s National Rally is the odds-on favorite to win next year’s presidential election.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of throw

Verb

With his ring powered up, John flies over and drops off a bag of money as restitution to the waitress Maggie (Hannah Christine Shetler) who lost her family in the Manhunter attack.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
The system is designed to provide short-range protection against drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft, adding an air-defense layer alongside NMESIS’ anti-ship capability.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of fly

Verb

Kingsolver followed Unsheltered with Demon Copperhead, a retelling of David Copperfield about an Appalachian orphan tossed around the foster system after losing his mother to an overdose.

— Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Tarik Skubal tossed six dominant innings in triple-digit heat, Teoscar Hernández, Kyle Tucker and Max Muncy homered and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1 of their NL Division Series on Saturday.

— Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of toss

Verb

Notre Dame finished with a season-best 241 yards rushing, with freshman Jonaz Walton posting a team-high 120 yards and James adding 65 more.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
With the Miami Dolphins opting to take Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, Jordyn Brooks rushed to the practice facility.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of rush

Verb

Surveillance footage of the incident shared by Palermo Today shows a number of passengers throwing punches, before one guest flings a chair at another.

— Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
When the ball hit the turf, Rocchio flung his helmet in the air and Cleveland's dugout emptied onto the field to celebrate.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of fling

Browse Nearby Words

hurdling

hurl

hurled

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Style

“Hurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurl. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hurl

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