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 The female’s back is covered in small protrusions that resemble popped kernels of popcorn, inspiring its genus name Zea, derived from the corn plant. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for protrusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion
Noun
  • Adams’ production creates a cinematic penumbra through the projections of Ruey Horng Sun, a soundscape by Sinan Refik Zafar that lyrically underscores the actions and the emotionally attuned lighting of Reza Behjat.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • That projection is based on the player’s performance in each metric over the last three seasons (five for goalies), weighted for recency where more recent seasons carry more significance and regressed to the mean.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As does the Buddha’s Hand, a pulp-less lemon with fragrant, yellowy finger-like protuberances best for zesting, candying, and making infusions for teas, simple syrups, marinades, and libations.
    Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Described as bright green with small protuberances on its back, the frog belongs to the Gastrotheca genus, a group of marsupial frogs found in Central and South America.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some of these are arranged into more staid compositions of geometric bands of color, while others bend and bulge into shapes evoking the baroque ruination of junk-yard findings.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • In the papers of Shere Hite there are hundreds of letters from male readers, these spill and bulge from the 300 boxes that make up this archive.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Their remains have been moved across the street to another section of the graveyard.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The collapse happened at the CHOP parking garage under construction on the 3000 block of Grays Ferry Avenue on April 8 during the installation of a precast concrete section, according to Parker.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Plans include two full-sized fields and a goalkeeper training pitch, a seasonal inflatable dome, a weight room, recovery equipment, as well as spaces for offices and media.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • These sippers come with a matching glass dome lid for a little extra coffee shop style, and inside each cup is a glass straw.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The top had a 2-inch overhang past the front surface of the stone walls.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The ascent itself is risky — individuals can be dislodged by fast-moving water or struggle to navigate complex features such as overhangs, sometimes requiring inverted positioning.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Today, convexity, which can be more expensive, is used earlier and some experts recommend a convexity-first approach after ostomy surgery.
    Diego Schaps, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Yet, for a large portion of Massachusetts, this will be the warmest week yet.
    Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Already, there has been a government shutdown, and a significant portion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is still closed owing to the fact that spending to reopen it hasn’t been approved.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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