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 The long stretch between Northern and Central Virginia is the lobster’s body, while its protrusions into Central and Western Virginia resemble its claws. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2026 An unnoticed protrusion on the floor she’s dragged across renders her injury considerably worse, turning temporary acute discomfort into a real medical emergency. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 Another cutesy promo video shows the robot phone coming to life, flipping out of a protrusion next to the usual camera bump in the back of the device, and even meeting a humanoid robot face-to-face. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026 The 10a’s completely flat back is a rarity among smartphones, most of which have substantial protrusions that house their camera optics, causing those devices to wobble when placed on a table. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protrusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion

Noun

Ibiza’s Sublimotion has similar haute ambitions, pairing 12 diners together in a room that will come alive with otherworldly projections and performers.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Recent projections suggest that the need for a negative leap second is likely to hit before 2035.

— Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 8 July 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

Finally, a demographic bulge is producing 74 million retiring Baby Boomers while the number of taxpaying workers fails to keep up.

— Jessica Riedl, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
During matches earlier this year, bulges could be seen in the shoulder seams on jerseys for teams including France and Uruguay, the Guardian reported.

— Claire Rush, Fortune, 28 June 2026

Definition of bulge

Noun

As the music builds, entire sections of the crowd rise to their feet, clapping, chanting and dancing together.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
The elevated section of the cabin also features a large rooftop terrace, ideal for enjoying the sun during the day, or sleeping under the stars at night.

— Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026

Definition of section

Noun

The National Weather Service said cool air from the north will push the heat dome, responsible for a heat wave that started midweek, south and west in the coming days, relieving some of the most extreme temperatures in the Northeast.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 July 2026
The East Coast is expected to soon feel some relief from the extreme temperatures as the heat dome shrinks, bringing chances of severe thunderstorms.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

Some festivalgoers were sheltering under a museum overhang tonight, singing patriotic tunes as rain began falling.

— Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
The leading labs are also preparing for stock market listings, and settling the question of the government's role before their shares trade would remove a major overhang for prospective investors.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 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 was in effect through Independence Day weekend across portions of the Midwest, South and Northeast, with New York City‘s Central Park reaching 100 on Thursday, the hottest temperature recorded there since July 18, 2012.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Multiple British media outlets, including the BBC, reported Monday, July 6, that the estranged prince would be staying at Buckingham Palace during the London portion of his visit the the United Kingdom.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of protrusion

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