Definition of protrusionnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of protrusion are bulge, projection, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

When is it sensible to use bulge instead of protrusion?

The meanings of bulge and protrusion largely overlap; however, bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is projection a more appropriate choice than protrusion?

The synonyms projection and protrusion are sometimes interchangeable, but projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

When would protuberance be a good substitute for protrusion?

The words protuberance and protrusion can be used in similar contexts, but 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 protrusion This protein is needed for the formation of cilia — hairlike protrusions that cells can use to move — as well as in the assembly of the mitotic spindle that organizes chromosomes during cell division, and for the transport of neurotransmitters in neurons. Quanta Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025 Karst formations, a porous rock, stick out as jagged protrusions in between lush forest and provide plenty of places for small creatures to hide. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Their name comes from the unique protrusions on their back that resemble horns and serve as a defense mechanism against predators including other sharks, elephant seals and some large fish. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025 Improper footwear may cause or exacerbate bunions, protrusions of the big toe knuckles. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protrusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion
Noun
  • Although discrepancies are smaller in data-rich regions such as Western Europe and the eastern United States, where robust local monitoring has kept projections more closely calibrated, the study identifies the West Coast of North America as a region where sea levels have also been underestimated.
    Marcos Magaña, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Last Sunday, the NCAA Tournament's selection committee revealed its newest projections for its top-16 seeds.
    Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
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
Noun
  • Some online commenters in areas where it has been deployed also say the system struggles to properly level surfaces after holes are filled, which can lead to speed bump–like bulges.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
  • For instance, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) advises people with diverticulosis—a disease in which little sacs bulge out of the weak areas of your colon wall—to incorporate more fiber into their diets.
    Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Her time at The Post also includes five years in the Travel section.
    Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Located between Iran’s southern coast and a peninsula shared by Oman and the Emirates, the strait is a tiny section of sea connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The first Harry Potter film will be displayed on the 87-foot-diameter dome screen.
    Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The objective is to study the composition and origin of the domes and surroundings.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The upper portion of the Rim Rock Trail meanders past remains of an ancient stone wall built by Native Americans, while the lower trail takes hikers by Ox-Lot Cave, a natural overhang that reportedly served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Putting it all together, Broadcom tackled the overhangs surrounding its stock head on, and the market is responding nicely in extending trading, with shares up about 5%.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Hairstylist Gregory Russell, who frequently works with the star, pulled her hair back tightly and cinched the lengths right at the crown of her head, wrapping a thick portion of hair around the base to disguise the elastic.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026
  • This volatile asset class comprises a substantial portion of the company’s financial assets, introducing significant speculative risk.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on protrusion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster