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
The moon's gravity pulls on Earth's oceans, creating tidal bulges that act like a brake. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 July 2025 Inexperienced American troops holding the front buckled, creating a bulge in the line, thus giving the ensuing battle its name. —Noah Hawley, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
Verb
Even as dome construction bulged on the Italian peninsula from the eleventh to fifteen centuries, Romans held off on joining the building bandwagon until the late 1400s. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 12 June 2025 In every photo, Tater's eyes bulged with what can only be described as pure joy. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 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
  • Folks with acute back pain, disc issues (include herniations, bulgings, and protrusions), and hip labrum injuries, should check with a medical pro first before doing this move, Dr. Yu says.
    — Jenny McCoy, SELF, 19 June 2025
  • Early revealed a protrusion of her right shoulder, a permanent disfigurement, caused by a collar bone that was broken on the hill.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
Definition of protrusion
Noun
  • Such facilities have flocked to the state for its competitive operating costs, low natural disaster risk and strong fiber infrastructure, among other advantages.
    — Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Demolish your environment for a strategic advantage.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of advantage
Verb
  • In Khao Yai National Park near Kong Kaeo Waterfall, for example, researchers found a robber fly attached to the bottom of a leaf with small flower-like growths protruding from its head, thorax and abdomen, earning the new fungus the name Ophiocordyceps floriformis.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Wilson was sporting a welt on the protruding bone on his left wrist after the game, which quickly received a wrap from the team’s medical staff.
    — Chris Biderman July 8, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of protrude
Verb
  • An instant later, six-foot-tall flames burst upward in blazing pillars, followed by an intoxicating waft of garlic, lemon and herbs that permeated the air over a crowd of awed onlookers.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
  • What transpires is a film bursting at the seams with heart, adored by laymen and critics alike.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Definition of burst
Noun
  • That’s despite a projection of 92.9 wins — just a 33-29 record the rest of the way — while the World Series title odds dropped to 10.4% (from 10.6% last week).
    — Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
  • This suggests that while there is still hiring in some areas, corporate projections of new jobs have dropped.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of projection
Noun
  • Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • There, leaning against the edge of his desk, dressed in his trademark grey suit, is the first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of edge
Verb
  • This review pokes a useful hole in the breathless reception this film received, while managing to feel fond.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
  • The dish is almost a tease, tickling and poking you by showcasing carrots such that here a confident argument is made to herald them in as the pre-eminent salad vegetable.
    — Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
Definition of poke
Verb
  • Add Hollywood buzz to the mix, and this 1973 bike is a keeper.
    — Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with posts expressing grief, anger, and speculation.
    — Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Definition of buzz

Browse Nearby Words

bulbous
bulge
bulged
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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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