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
It's named that because of the shape, as a bulge of hot air and cooler air on either side, which is similar to the shape of the Greek letter. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 23 June 2026 An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous bulge in the body’s largest artery that can rupture without warning, with a death rate as high as 81%. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
The Babe’s advancing age and bulging midsection were the easy targets. Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 And, soon, the OCFA crew learns that one of three storage tanks at the plant — one that contains the chemical methyl methacrylate, or MMA — is bulging. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 2 June 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
  • Still, some experts say the lack of awareness may delay some eligible adults from taking advantage of the new coverage and getting on the treatments immediately.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • The Dodgers took full advantage of the Padres’ defensive mistakes to jump-start their offense.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The skinny braids wrapped the bottom of the bun, while the thicker braids dressed the top, forming a cylinder shape that protruded from the crown of her head.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • The apartment's one window, protruding from the zinc roof, faces west, putting it in direct sun from midday to dusk.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • However, the extravagant nature of such spending appears to be a bubble that has now burst, especially given the obvious failure to build a domestic talent pool.
    Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • When fire crews arrived on scene, the fire had consumed multiple rooms and had burst through the roof of one of the three hotel buildings.
    Bryce Buyakie, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • There is no question that varying projections of timing and severity of job loss caused by AI make designing such a major job creation strategy an unprecedented challenge.
    Gene Sperling, Time, 1 July 2026
  • According to International Franchise Association projections, the franchising industry was still expected to experience growth and contribute to job creation in the United States, even in an uncertain economy.
    Bob Bernotas, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The Americans came out energized in the second half and a Berhalter banger from the edge of the penalty area tied it up 2-2 in the 49th minute.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • The Samurai Blue have the edge on shots, 2-1, but Sweden has the lone shot on target so far through 25 minutes.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Calderón, a big, bald man wearing a gold chain and cross-shaped earrings, sat off to the side, amid an entourage of muscular assistants in polo shirts, poking at his phone.
    Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • Find a location with an unobstructed view to the southeast, where the full moon’s orangey disk will poke above the horizon minutes after the moonrise time — though exactly when depends on local terrain and buildings.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 29 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 4 Jul. 2026.

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