Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of protrusion are bulge, projection, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

When is it sensible to use bulge instead of protrusion?

The meanings of bulge and protrusion largely overlap; however, bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is projection a more appropriate choice than protrusion?

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

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

When would protuberance be a good substitute for protrusion?

The words protuberance and protrusion can be used in similar contexts, but 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 protrusion Dormant NSCs in Drosophila have a protrusion that extends from the cell body; the researchers had recently demonstrated that the protrusion is enriched with actin microfilaments. New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024 The excess fat can form a fatty tissue protrusion that mimics the appearance of a hump. Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Aug. 2024 The cones were secreted at their base by microvilli–tiny protrusions of cells that increase surface area. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Aug. 2024 The lead layer discovered last year could be the reason for the unusual lead protrusions in areas of The Night Watch, since there are no other lead-containing compounds in the paint. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for protrusion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion
Noun
  • Europe, having projected its power outward for centuries, is becoming a theater for the projection of non-European power.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Complete unofficial results are not expected until Wednesday morning at the earliest, but the Free Press expects to be able to declare some winners through partial unofficial results, based on projections made by the Associated Press.
    Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • There are many different types of foam rollers, but the two main models are: the shorter style with protuberances which is used purely for working on circulation or muscle recovery, and the longer one made of smooth foam without protuberances, used for toning.
    Enrica Petraglia, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024
  • Tiny projections stick out from the stalk, and the crooked tip has structures called a conical protuberance, a globular head and a rugged flap.
    Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • Trump surged back beginning early last month, and by October 26 had built an advantage that almost equalled Harris’ bulge five weeks earlier.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Hours later, an Antioch officer on patrol noticed a man with a distinctive bulge in his pants that appeared to be a firearm.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Sometimes the signs of emotional abuse are not immediately apparent, but the Hotline has a comprehensive section that provides more information, examples and options for determining next steps.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The school moved from 11th and Catharine to its current location on South Broad Street in 1997, and the section in front of the school was named Boyz II Men Boulevard in 2017.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Hardin said he got started as a teenager maintaining communication towers and now specializes in restoring old steeples and domes.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024
  • In this case, a paper-thin layer of this material is placed on the top surface of the floating foam under the dome.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This has proved an overhang over the stock as well.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Presidential election risk appears to be an overhang on Constellation stock right now due to concerns about stricter immigration policy and tariffs on goods from Mexico.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Even more interesting is the fact that Noctua is issuing three variants of the cooler with variations in the convexity of the cold plate: a normal, a high-convexity, and a low-convexity model.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 June 2024
  • Stirrer bars can tolerate some eccentricity and convexity in the bottom of a container.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper’s Magazine , 5 July 2019
Noun
  • Golden State didn’t qualify for the Las Vegas portion of the tournament.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Landeskog did not remain on the ice for the full team portion of the morning skate.
    Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near protrusion

Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on protrusion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!