bulge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of bulgenext
1
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
2
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 How to pronounce bulge (audio)
1
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
2
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

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 bulge
Noun
Even today, fashion, whether straight or gay, avoids any hint of a bulge. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025 Aortic aneurysm: An aortic aneurysm occurs when a bulge forms in the aorta, the large artery that carries oxygen from the heart. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
Beattie is just one figure in a bulging cast of characters that Stewart handily divides into five main categories: Funders, Thinkers, Sergeants, Infantry and Power Players. —Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 As Ne Zha, his wide eyes often bulge in different directions. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
  1. protrusion
  2. advantage
  3. protrude
  4. burst
  5. projection
  6. edge
  7. poke
  8. buzz
Noun
  • Gone are most of the toggle switches (and the little safety protrusions that accompanied them) on the dashboard, with the exception of one for changing between drive, reverse, and neutral, plus another to switch between drive modes.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The sea cucumber is also covered with tentacles and papillae, or fleshy protrusions, according to the study.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of protrusion
Noun
  • The District 3 race could also play a key role on whether Mahan successfully implements his policy agenda over the next year, as his bloc currently holds a slim voting advantage on the dais that could shift if Quevedo does not win the seat.
    — Devan Patel, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Stars finished with a 50-26-6 record, edging out Colorado for second in the division and home ice advantage in this series.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of advantage
Verb
  • The two rear cameras live in a small module that protrudes less than a millimeter from the back case.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Well down the mountainside a small ledge protruded from the sharp ridge like a bulbous growth.
    — Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of protrude
Verb
  • Since bursting onto the scene as a freshman, Janiah has carried a heavy load for Seminole Ridge, showcasing not only her scoring ability but also her all-around impact on the game.
    — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Today’s styles run the gamut from nostalgic hearts and classic knots to bursting stars and beachy swirls.
    — Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of burst
Noun
  • And while the recent announcement of Olivia Miles’ return for her final collegiate season, albeit at TCU, has shifted projections, Iriafen’s strong March performance and leadership in the absence of JuJu Watkins only raised her profile.
    — Annemarie Farrell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • If Russia consolidates its hold on Ukraine today, projections suggest that up to 20 million additional refugees could be forced to flee.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of projection
Noun
  • Roberts has played several positions across the defensive front but has been primarily an edge defender.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Six female celebs — including pop songstress Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King and Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, author Lauren Sánchez — are slated to blast off Monday morning in a Blue Origin rocket headed for the edge of space.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of edge
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.
    — Eric Nehm, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of poke
Verb
  • Madison Square Garden buzzed with anticipation, hearts warmed by nostalgia.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • There was a long pause before anyone answered, and a longer pause before I was buzzed in.
    — Elif Batuman, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of buzz

Browse Nearby Words

bulbous
bulge
bulged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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