bulge 1 of 2

Definition of bulgenext
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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
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
Verb
The top of my head had been level with the bulging briefcase the girl had tucked under her arm. Annie Ernaux, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Next to her is a bulging Balenciaga mini bag, and a pair of oversized sunglasses on her head are perched atop a mop of jet black curls. Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • The use of Kevlar came as part of Hatfield finding inspiration from the X-15 fighter jet, still to this day the fastest aircraft ever made, while the polarizing tongue protrusion was a nod to Jordan famously sticking out his own while playing.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
  • Officially, these prominent bumper protrusions were inspired by jet-age design and missile imagery.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Dalal said their son played there daily with his friends, taking advantage of a club policy that allows children under five to enter without a membership.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • The comedian, 38, best known for his role as the acerbic gay best friend Elliott Goss in HBO’s Search Party, chose our meeting place to take advantage of the balmy late-May weather and to say goodbye to the neighborhood.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • And while certainly shaken up, the driver and passenger (also test dummies in this case) likely could have walked away without being struck by shattered glass or a protruding antler.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026
  • The problem was that many of them protruded from the front of vehicles like miniature medieval weapons.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Swirl it into a sauce à la minute, at most—heat will burst the eggs and reduce texture contrast.
    The Editors, Robb Report, 20 June 2026
  • The second half was a completely different story, bursting with action on both ends of the pitch.
    Bryan Preston, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The projections for a hike now appear to be a response to inflation that has surged since the start of the Iran war and three months of solid job growth.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • Warsh said the communications task force would consider changes to the quarterly economic projections the Fed issues as well as look at other recent innovations, including press conferences.
    Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
  • Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Perched on a finger of land that pokes into Lebanon, Metula is usually crowded with tourists this time of year.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The second is a vent which pokes out above your clothes, to move warm air away from you.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Mosquitos buzz in, emerging from eggs laid in stagnant water across the region.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
  • London draws more than 30 million visitors annually, and along with its buzzing energy and endless opportunities comes one of the world’s most exciting food scenes.
    Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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