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
Aurora is typically seen in polar regions at around latitudes of 70 degrees north and south, but during strong geomagnetic conditions the auroral oval can bulge, with displays then seen as far as 40 degrees north and south. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 Coping with Mood Swings and Anxiety But can these drugs really help shrink the hormonal belly bulge? Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 May 2025
Verb
Sardines, known for their long, slender bodies and bulging eyes are the online world's cutesy representation of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 May 2025 In another viral TikTok, one frequent flier showed off the carry-on’s roomy interior by seamlessly zipping up the bulging luggage. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • There are two pairs of barbels, or the fleshy, whisker-like protrusions found on some fish, on the new species’ face, according to the study.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Models wore giant gloves made of claws or featured grotesque protrusions.
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Sam Bennett, who scored twice in Florida’s Game 1 loss, capitalized on the man advantage with the game’s first goal.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • This pitching staff is getting slugged, rendering whatever advantage it’s created on swing-and-miss much less impactful.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The animals have small eyes that slightly protrude from their heads, which are smooth and flat, according to the study.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • Books fly off the shelves, a protruding nail vanishes and then reappears, a Ouija board spells an incomplete message, and there’s definitely something on the third floor.
    Gabino Iglesias, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • But there is part of me that actually believes Wayne was at his creative peak on 2004’s Tha Carter, where the Cash Money little brother with a chip on his shoulder collides with the looser, throne-craving supernova, ready to burst.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
  • In Raleigh, North Carolina, a water utility organization uses AI to forecast which pipes are most likely to burst, helping crews replace them proactively.
    Darshan Tiwari, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • One-time items, say a litigation settlement, potentially mess with an analyst’s projection of continuing performance.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • The Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates and latest economic projections arrive on Wednesday.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s why more discerning buyers are setting their sights on The Village of Loch Lloyd, a hidden treasure on the southern edge of the metro.
    Loch Lloyd Residential Real Estate, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025
  • Raúl Jiménez brought the crowd out of its stupor less than two minutes into the second half, chasing a through ball from Santiago Giménez into the penalty area, then finishing with his right foot from the edge of the six-yard box to double the lead.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • That victory put O’Malley back in the rankings. O’Malley’s next bout ended in a no contest, when an eye poke in the second round left Pedro Munhoz unable to continue.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev poked fun at the explosive war of words between U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, offering to mediate peace between the two political allies.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Much of the cast, including creator Lin Manuel Miranda, Jonathan Groff, Daveed Diggs, Christopher Jackson, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Reneé Elise Goldsberry, walked the carpet embracing other stars who were buzzing with excitement for what the performance could be.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
  • But others, including Grand Central Market, were already buzzing with customers.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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