protuberance

noun

prō-ˈtü-b(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce protuberance (audio)
Definition of protuberancenext
as in projection
a part that sticks out from the general mass of something the tree trunk had several mossy protuberances where branches had once grown

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of protuberance are bulge, projection, and protrusion. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

When is bulge a more appropriate choice than protuberance?

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

bulges in the tile floor

When could projection be used to replace protuberance?

In some situations, the words projection and protuberance are roughly equivalent. However, projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

In what contexts can protrusion take the place of protuberance?

The words protrusion and protuberance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

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 protuberance 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 In the far distance lies the Pacific Ocean, and beyond that, featureless protuberances labeled Japan, Russia and China. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025 Above the central display is a ventilative protuberance sporting a pair of menacing ambient lights. —Brett Berk, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2025 Violet-blue protuberances are surrounded by what look like thorns but are actually soft, if jagged, flower parts. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protuberance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protuberance
  1. projection
  2. protrusion
  3. bulge
  4. section
  5. dome
  6. convexity
  7. swell
  8. overhang
Noun
  • The projections will be updated daily.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • With 43 new tracks released at once, early projections indicate Drake could simultaneously hold the top three spots on the Billboard 200 chart — something only Michael Jackson previously accomplished after his death in 2009.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 May 2026
Definition of projection
Noun
  • Prolapse or protrusion of hemorrhoids don’t go back in.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • An unnoticed protrusion on the floor she’s dragged across renders her injury considerably worse, turning temporary acute discomfort into a real medical emergency.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of protrusion
Noun
  • All that matters at this reservation-only pizzeria is the crust, a technical marvel of puff, bulge and scorch.
    — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Those who have had pain in their pubic region while coughing, lifting objects or bending or who have noticed a bulge in their abdomen are encouraged to this screening and education event.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Definition of bulge
Noun
  • The most touching sections feature John expressing his love for Yoko, and drawing a connection between his love for her and his relationship with Paul, as well as his unresolved feelings about his 1970s activism.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
  • The Patriots broke a 14-14 tie with kills from Hudson McFarlane and the game-winning attack from David Griffin to claim Christian’s first section title in boys volleyball.
    — Breven Honda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
Definition of section
Noun
  • Many of the city’s buildings, including the historic City Hall, were crafted in the style of Moorish architecture with domes, minarets and outdoor staircases.
    — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
  • Under the seventy-five-foot dome, Archivist Wayne Grover took formal custody of the Declaration.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Definition of dome
Noun
  • Today, convexity, which can be more expensive, is used earlier and some experts recommend a convexity-first approach after ostomy surgery.
    — Diego Schaps, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The tower flaunts its partnership with the Dime Savings Bank, sending the 1908 landmark’s geometrical exuberance rocketing upward in a play of convexities and concavities, glass and trim, darkness and gleam.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of convexity
Noun
  • The swell of political dissatisfaction with Starmer from many of his colleagues, and what appears to be his narrow escape from an immediate leadership challenge, provides the impetus for the government to revamp its legislative agenda.
    — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 13 May 2026
  • The curve of the land shields the coastline from a heavier swell from the Atlantic, so the water remains calm and clear for long stretches.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of swell
Noun
  • An overhang above the outdoor kitchen helps protect the grill and sink from the weather.
    — Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
  • Using parchment overhangs, lift out of pan; let cool completely on rack.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Definition of overhang

Browse Nearby Words

protrusive
protuberance
protuberances
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protuberance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protuberance. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on protuberance

Nglish: Translation of protuberance for Spanish Speakers

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