hurl
5 synonyms for hurl, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To throw something with great force.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use hurl
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hurl abuse
hurl a rock
hurl insults
The "vomit" sense is very informal/slang.
Etymology
From Middle English hurlen, likely imitating the sound of something being flung violently — related to hurry and hurtle.
Full origin of hurl →Frequently asked questions
What does “hurl” mean?
The word “hurl” means to throw something with great force. In plain terms, to throw something hard, to yell abuse at someone, or (informally) to be sick.
How do you pronounce “hurl”?
“Hurl” is pronounced hurl (/hɝl/ in IPA).
How do you use “hurl” in a sentence?
Here is “hurl” used in a sentence: “He hurled the rock as far as he could into the lake.”
What part of speech is “hurl”?
“Hurl” is a verb.
Where does the word “hurl” come from?
The word “hurl” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hurlen, likely imitating the sound of something being flung violently — related to hurry and hurtle.
How many meanings does “hurl” have?
“Hurl” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to throw something with great force.
