BULGE Synonyms: 189 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'bulge' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of bulge are projection , protrusion , and protuberance . While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure. // bulges in the tile floor

Q: When is 'projection' a more appropriate choice than 'bulge'?

The synonyms projection and bulge are sometimes interchangeable, but projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle. // those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Q: Where would 'protrusion' be a reasonable alternative to 'bulge'?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulge , protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity. // the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Q: When would 'protuberance' be a good substitute for 'bulge'?

The meanings of protuberance and bulge largely overlap; however, protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form. // a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

bulge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of bulge next

as in protrusion

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something several bulges in the old vinyl flooring in the dingy bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in advantage

the more favorable condition or position in a competition she got the bulge on him in the race for the statehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bulge

2 of 2

verb

ˈbəlj

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point the sides of the returning camper's suitcase bulged with a month's worth of dirty laundry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to burst

to be copiously supplied this guidebook to San Francisco positively bulges with useful information

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word bulge different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of bulge are projection, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is projection a more appropriate choice than bulge?

The synonyms projection and bulge are sometimes interchangeable, but projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Where would protrusion be a reasonable alternative to bulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulge, protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

When would protuberance be a good substitute for bulge?

The meanings of protuberance and bulge largely overlap; however, protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

Examples 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 bulge

Noun

The new image reveals vibrant pink hydrogen gas clouds where new stars are forming, bright blue clusters of young stars, and an older yellow central bulge. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Because of the fluid buildup, a bulge forms in the macula. —

Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

The unidentified caseworker was described in court documents as having his eyes bulging, drooling and his arm muscles tensing during the attack. —

Michelle Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 3 Dec. 2024 Nary a mailbox in this country has not bulged with its onslaught of membership cards, brochures, insurance policy notices, and, above all, with AARP The Magazine, whose readership is roughly sixty-five times that of this magazine. —

Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bulge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge

Noun

Lenovo developed a rectangular protrusion on the laptop’s base to make room for new vapor chambers connected to two spinning fans inside, situated over the processor.

Joe Osborne, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025
Avoid rolling over any knobby bits or boney protrusions, since that’s often where sensitive connective tissue anchors and nerves hide, too.

Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2024