projection

noun

prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
Definition of projectionnext
as in dome
a part that sticks out from the general mass of something filed down all the projections until the surface was smooth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word projection different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of projection are bulge, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

When is it sensible to use bulge instead of projection?

The synonyms bulge and projection are sometimes interchangeable, but bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is protrusion a more appropriate choice than projection?

The words protrusion and projection can be used in similar contexts, but protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Where would protuberance be a reasonable alternative to projection?

The words protuberance and projection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 projection That much of the internet saw Bad Bunny’s Grammys look as a harbinger for more violence is probably more of a projection of our own preoccupations and fears. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026 Modern perfume enthusiasts seek more than projection and volume. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026 The board directed staff to return at a future meeting with clearer budget projections and plans for supporting students who will transfer to other schools. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026 The cost to taxpayers has soared since the first announcement by the city of the soccer stadium deal, with the initial projection being $50 million, then $91 million, and now $135 million. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection
  1. dome
  2. section
  3. portion
  4. protrusion
  5. convexity
  6. protuberance
  7. overhang
  8. piece
Noun
  • The landscape is lush and mountainous, with waterfalls set alongside granite domes.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Enslaved people built the Annapolis Capitol dome.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of dome
Noun
  • The Fashionist section focused on occasionwear, from evening gowns to bridal creations by labels including Carmen, Serabella, Maxra Govana, Lacrima and Doridorca, while the IFCO Kids area unveiled childrenswear collections.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • She was involved in multiple sections, starting out in La Casita, a set piece modeled after traditional Puerto Rican homes.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of section
Noun
  • Part of the project will also be expanding a portion of the cart path to accommodate the new service window and to provide ADA access.
    — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Her portion of the rent, after utilities, comes out to roughly $1,400 a month.
    — Johane Saintil, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of portion
Noun
  • Other extant primates typically have receding lower jaws, without a distinct protrusion.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The female’s back is covered in small protrusions that resemble popped kernels of popcorn, inspiring its genus name Zea, derived from the corn plant.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of protrusion
Noun
  • Even more interesting is the fact that Noctua is issuing three variants of the cooler with variations in the convexity of the cold plate: a normal, a high-convexity, and a low-convexity model.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 June 2024
  • Exploiting mispricing in the 21st century will depend more on understanding the convexity of outcomes not yet visible.
    — Jeff Henriksen, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2021
Definition of convexity
Noun
  • This is the small bony protuberance found at the rear base of the human skull.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
  • When cells produce proteins, the amino acids spontaneously fold into tangled and twisted structures, with pockets and protuberances, and sometimes long, trailing tails.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025
Definition of protuberance
Noun
  • The building’s trim roof overhang is set to be installed this week, and electric vehicle charger bases are being installed.
    — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There’s also new research from OpenAI on capability overhang.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of overhang
Noun
  • Effective verification would likely entail having the abductor — or abductee — provide a unique piece of information only a handful of people would know.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The 325-piece set captures charming details like Glinda’s pink dress, bubble wand, and tiara, and Elphaba’s green skin and signature broom.
    — Brittany Anas, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of piece

Browse Nearby Words

projecting
projection
projections
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Cite this Entry

“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/projection. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on projection

Nglish: Translation of projection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about projection

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