bulge 1 of 2

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bulge

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verb

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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 city was almost unwalkable because of the highways and huge willow trees that bulge, pump, and pull up the ground, turning over the paving slabs by the roads that are already punctuated with potholes. Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025 Stay away from any watermelons that are shiny, unevenly shaped, or have visible damage, including bruises, cuts, soft spots, bulges, or lumps. Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
But now, as the result of hours spent training in the gym, Draper boasts an imposing frame with biceps visibly bulging from underneath his t-shirt. Ben Church, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025 The deficits are bulging because Americans spend more than this nation produces domestically. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • As per the press release, these included small, circular protrusions or bumps, elliptical protrusions with a fingerprint-like pattern, and a third set of large, round marks.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Their name comes from the unique protrusions on their back that resemble horns and serve as a defense mechanism against predators including other sharks, elephant seals and some large fish.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Boomsma said any traits the ants have evolved are adaptations driven by natural selection, and creating fitter hybrid workers provided a competitive advantage, allowing Iberian harvester ants to extend their range vastly.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Wave now hold a 6-2-1 advantage in the all-time regular season series.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The display bezels are super thin at the top and on both sides, with Lenovo’s protruding upper-edge notch housing the webcam and other electronics.
    Mark Coppock, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
  • That is followed by a tabletop planetarium featuring images of planets beamed onto moving objects which magically protrude from it.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the Enchanted glittered with edible pink shimmer dust, and bursting with fruity, botanical flavors – Grey Goose with watermelon basil essences, vermouth and basil.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The streaming bubble burst eight months before Willow’s premiere, so the move was part of a much larger cost-saving initiative.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Its interactive projections can show what a child experiences when entering the tube of an MRI machine or enable practitioners to find hazards in their patients' homes.
    Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • At the current high multiple, that translates to about $6–7 billion in profits, or roughly $16 billion in revenue, assuming a 40% net margin—a target consistent with long-term projections.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Parsons has been one of the better edge rushers in the league, posting double-digit sacks in each of his first four seasons in the NFL.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Rooms pair comfort with modern design and a hint of cool-kid edge, featuring warm wood bedframes, terrazzo slabs, and leather seating.
    Emily Wilson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Keep communication open by avoiding poking fun at these practices.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Gibson proceeded to the Children’s Chorus room, where two staffers welcomed her to poke through the costume racks.
    Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Continue reading … HOT AT COSTCO – September offerings at popular store have fans buzzing.
    , FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Guy didn’t overlap, guy didn’t buzz, guy didn’t carry three.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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