1
as in swollen
Related Words
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in bursting
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in protruding
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
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of bulging
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2021
Indian streamer ALTBalaji has revealed a focus on the burgeoning Indian youth market and a bulging slate.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2021
Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
According to John Hopkins Medicine, an aneurysm is a weakened or bulging artery wall, and coiling is a procedure used to block blood flow to the aneurysm.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulging
Adjective
And the big, bulging, muscles that let Hulk SMASH so effectively aren't the same as carrying a lot of excess fat.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2021
Indian streamer ALTBalaji has revealed a focus on the burgeoning Indian youth market and a bulging slate.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2021
Verb
With each award earning 25 points (except Drama Picture and Musical/Comedy picture, which are worth 35), OBAA collected another 110 points for its already bulging coffers.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
According to John Hopkins Medicine, an aneurysm is a weakened or bulging artery wall, and coiling is a procedure used to block blood flow to the aneurysm.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulging
Adjective
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Our own Metropolitan Museum displays a copy of that swollen right-hand — cast in bronze for Saint-Gaudens in the 1880s.—
Harold Holzer,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
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His face was also red and swollen.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Team Fluff's Twilight Barkle, a special needs dog with a protruding forehead from Hearts & Bones Rescue in Dallas, scored the game's final touchdown.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Feb. 2026
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Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris like logs or brush.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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After flooding and damage from bursting pipes worsened over the past week and a half at the troubled Concierge Apartments in Rocky Hill, town officials officially condemned 200 apartments in the massive complex Thursday afternoon.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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Adding White to a young crop bursting in talent thanks to the likes of Ball, Miller and Knueppel only bolsters the Hornets’ chances to end the playoff drought.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Whereas Vaslav’s unorthodox looks infatuated many people, hers (protuberant teeth and lips, stocky body, flat chest, powerful thighs) alienated many.—
Alastair Macaulay,
The New York Review of Books,
29 Dec. 2022
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And the rear of the case is deeper to accommodate a protuberant rear camera—hinting that the next iPad will see a big camera upgrade.—
David Phelan,
Forbes,
9 Oct. 2022
Adjective
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Exhausting, exhilarating softball in which to spend my body’s force—that in the morning—then in the afternoon, the brimming, hearty stew of family life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Telltale Signs of Rotary Motion The re-examination revealed unmistakable evidence that this was no simple awl meant for poking holes.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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Garlic is a kitchen staple for many, but spotting a green sprout poking out of a clove can raise questions about food safety.—
Caitlin Beale,
Health,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The café is spacious and softly buzzing, with quiet conversations carrying over from distant tables.—
Pau Mosquera,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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Tomato pie, buzzing with Pecorino and oregano, is also a must-order.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Symptoms can include abdominal pain or discomfort, blurred or double vision, dilated pupils, dizziness, drooping eyelid, dry or sore throat, facial muscle paralysis, nausea or vomiting, swollen belly, and trouble swallowing and speaking.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
20 Jan. 2026
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Greenwood was previously diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, but said that might not be a factor in what caused her heart attack last year, per the BBC.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bulging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulging. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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