PROTRUSION Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

protrusion

noun

prō-ˈtrü-zhən

Definition of protrusion

as in projection

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something the bizarrely shaped protrusions of a coral reef

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Burls are sound, hard, woody swellings or protrusions that form on the trunks, branches, or roots of trees. — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 Visitors may have noticed that Odorysseus’ spadix — the conic protrusion emerging upward from the plant — was much taller than Odora’s, which had caved in. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 Surgeons noted that the man appeared in good health before the surgery, reporting no symptoms besides the painless protrusion. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026 Traditional control surfaces create gaps and protrusions that increase radar cross-section and require constant adjustments in fly-by-wire systems. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for protrusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion

Noun

Based on the consensus projection for revenue of $396 billion for fiscal 2027, which ends in January, sales next year would hit $673 billion.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The 70% preliminary expectation wildly exceeded projections for fiscal 2028 revenue of roughly $570 billion, or 44% growth from fiscal 2027 (the current year).

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of projection

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

Definition of protuberance

Noun

An important question before Prime Minister Shah is whether a small landlocked nation with a youth bulge and rising expectations can deliver in the age of tech disruption and changing geopolitics.

— Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
With the bulge-bracket firms the clear winners, choosing a VC has become simpler.

— Robert Frank, CNBC, 14 July 2026

Definition of bulge

Noun

The City Attorney's Office has about 160 lawyers, including an Employment Law section with 17 total employees, according to the city.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The archive Mittelman created covers every iteration of the live-theater playhouse and has several sections, one of which lists the name of everyone who ever performed on its stage.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

The dome of the US Capitol is seen behind a stand as setup continues ahead of the IndyCar series Freedom 250 Grand Prix on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 17, 2026.

— Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Somebody had taken a cosmic needle and poked holes in the dome so that the light could filter in.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

Bridges and overhangs were clean, confirming excellent exposure calibration and the printer's ability to resolve intricate features without sacrificing dimensional accuracy.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Remove any large groupings of plants like saw palmetto, yaupon, wax myrtle and gallberry, especially if the plants are close to the home, adjacent decks or porches or under eaves or overhangs.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of overhang

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

Definition of convexity

Noun

An extreme heat warning is currently in place for Death Valley, which is the lowest, hottest and driest portion of the North American continent and the United States’ largest national park outside of Alaska.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
In SouthPark or South Charlotte, Little Mamas offers family-sized portions of chicken or eggplant Parmesan ($53 and $32, respectively) that feed two to three people — and that’s likely to stretch further with little ones.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of portion

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protruding

protrusion

protrusions

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“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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