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 Improper footwear may cause or exacerbate bunions, protrusions of the big toe knuckles. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025 Advertisement In other cases, however, the protrusions can affect the rabbits’ eyes and mouth, preventing them from being able to eat, drink, or see clearly. Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Aug. 2025 Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What To Know Locals have described the growths as scabby patches with black, toothpick-like or quill-like protrusions around the mouth and face of cottontail rabbits spotted in yards and parks in Fort Collins, according to the WFSB report. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 Hernias are protrusions of internal organs through the muscle wall that may require surgery for repair. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for protrusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion
Noun
  • The sequencing, the dissolves, the rhythm of projection all recall the emotional power of the slideshow, that fragile form where photography and music meet to create something larger than either.
    Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The forecast also included projections for the busiest cruise ports, with the three that topped the list located in Florida.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
Noun
  • In the future, the system could shrink to a small bulge on an optical fiber.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The central bulge of our home galaxy is about 12,000 light-years in diameter.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The plane's inflatable escape slide was deployed, and the nose and tail sections of the plane separated.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The aircraft was left partially submerged with its tail section snapped off, video showed.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While you may be tempted to go shopping along Marshall Street (the student hangout lined with college shops and eateries) before the game, keep in mind that you’re only allowed to bring small, clear bags into the dome.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The original chrome dome would have gone hard here, or a really glossy black.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Place in pie pan, leaving at least 1-inch overhang.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Many such cities lost jobs with the decline of the manufacturing industry in the 20th century, and many still have an overhang of distressed or vacant homes that help drag down property values overall.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Exploiting mispricing in the 21st century will depend more on understanding the convexity of outcomes not yet visible.
    Jeff Henriksen, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2021
Noun
  • Thursday's season 7 debut included a teaser looking ahead toward future episodes, with a portion near the end including a shot of the 45-year-old All's Fair star getting an MRI before discussing an update on her health.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Most reserve commands only see their soldiers for two or three days per month, and a significant portion of part-time troops live far away from their units and commute hundreds of miles for their days in uniform.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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