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 pull-on pants are also high-waisted, which will smooth out the stomach area more so than low-rise bottoms or too-tight denim shorts that make your skin bulge. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 26 June 2025 Berger’s tiny stage bulges like a clown car, stuffed with superb comedians such as Russell Daniels, playing a prospective son-in-law (and Grade A idiot) who shrieks around sick people, and Sarah Stiles, as a pert soubrette. —Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Verb
If the surface bulges outward at that point, then the flow moves inward. —Quanta Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 Photos posted online showed the snake arrived at a Virginia animal hospital with a bulging body. —Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 6 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
  • Analysis by German football correspondent Sebastian Stafford-Bloor Tillman has some advantages.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • Yet Crawley carved out her niche not through aggressive marketing spend but through product innovation that photographs well—a crucial advantage in the Instagram economy.
    — Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of advantage
Verb
  • Nearby, police found another pitbull, Lucky, in a wet kennel that was bound shut with five leashes, her hip bones protruding.
    — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025
  • Their feet protrude, white and enormous, from their grey-green uniforms like tree-branches from which the bark has been stripped.
    — Thomas Meaney, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
Definition of protrude
Verb
  • Bubbly, bittersweet, and bursting with untapped potential, a bottle of tonic water is the key to a whole summer of compelling cocktails.
    — Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Figuring jets of water springing from pools turned oval by perspective, arches also reminiscent of its headquarters seem to burst to life against the skin.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Definition of burst
Noun
  • Their current 53-38 record is in the bank, however, and most projection methods give them an 80%+ chance to make the postseason.
    — Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • The maximum projection surface is 4 meters and all the controls are done by three simple buttons on the base of the projector.
    — Alexander Cox, Space.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of projection
Noun
  • This flutter-sleeve top is roomy and billowy for low-key summer days, while this denim jacket has floral details, giving it a feminine edge other toppers lack.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 9 July 2025
  • Michigan clearly saw Meadows as one of the top edge prospects in the class and prioritized him accordingly.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Definition of edge
Verb
  • The hard foul came after Sheldon poked Clark in the eye in the third quarter.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • The couple began dating in 2023 and frequently poke fun at each other on their social media pages.
    — Caroline Blair, People.com, 11 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 21 Jul. 2025.

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