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

Two decades later, in 2020, the Census Bureau reported that the bulge in the US population pyramid had shifted to those between 55 and 70 years old, a market more focused on retirement and travel. —

Greg Petro, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 Your bulge may have cost you the gold, but your contributions to the culture will live on in gay guy Halloween costumes everywhere. —

Them, 9 Oct. 2024

Verb

Prior to stepping out into space, Gillis reported seeing seals around the hatch that appear to be bulging. —

Denise Chow, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2024 This disrupted blood supply is known as superior vena cava syndrome, which causes facial swelling and bulging veins.3 Meanwhile, nerve damage due to the progress of NSCLC can cause Horner’s syndrome. —

Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bulge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge

Noun

The Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless antennas are seamlessly integrated into the case, avoiding any protrusions.

PCMAG, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024
Photo: Joe Skilton The Tulipa Deco Vase features the delicate glass protrusions for which Jacobsen is known.

Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2024