PROTUBERANCE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

protuberance

noun

prō-ˈtü-b(ə-)rən(t)s

Definition of protuberance next

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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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 Kahan threw the typically upbeat floral protuberance, Tango obligingly chased after it just like a real dog would. —

Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2024 But mechanical gimbals are not exactly aerodynamic—one example is that massive protuberance on the nose of Predator drones. —

IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2011 Many of these species are brightly colored and have protuberances and stinging hairs known as setae, that can cause a rash to humans that touch them. —

Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 2 Oct. 2023 From above, the appendages look like the protuberances of an amoeba. —

Victoria Sayo Turner, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for protuberance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protuberance

Noun

There are many reasons to be cautious about these projections.

— Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 3 Feb. 2025
In October, Honeywell said all four of its operating segments — aerospace technologies, industrial automation, building automation, and energy and sustainability solutions — should see organic growth this year, so hope to hear a reiteration of that projection.

— Matthew J. Belvedere,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025