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

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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 Officially, these prominent bumper protrusions were inspired by jet-age design and missile imagery. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Prolapse or protrusion of hemorrhoids don’t go back in. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for protrusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion

Noun

The adjoining 14-screen multiplex that will become an Alamo will also retain 35mm capabilities to showcase archival film prints and will house several premium format screens with immersive audio and 4K laser projection, including 70mm capabilities.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
The complex will retain 35MM capabilities to showcase archival film prints and house several premium-format screens with immersive audio and 4K laser projection, including 70MM.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 22 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

Alberto Briseno, a section chief for ICE's Homeland Security Investigations, wrote in a declaration that ICE personnel deleted the file after it was discovered and it was not used for law enforcement purposes.

— Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 17 July 2026
There was disappointment among sections of the fanbase that Neave was not given more of an opportunity over the run-in, especially given how Woltemade and Wissa struggled.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of section

Noun

In 2025, the company finalized an agreement with Baghdad to redevelop oil and gas resources in Kirkuk, covering the Baba and Avanah domes of the Kirkuk field and the nearby Bai Hassan, Jambur and Khabbaz fields.

— Lee Ying Shan,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026
As the shift in the heat dome was happening, the wildfires erupted in Canada.

— Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

The home faces south so the porch to avoid heating up the house, and is also shaded by a generous overhang.

— Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Some build nests underground in grassy areas or dense vegetation, while others look for openings in trees, wall voids, eaves, and roof overhangs, says Jim McHale, president of JP McHale Pest Management.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 19 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

Widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches, with up to 6 inches in the strongest thunderstorms, are possible from the western Florida Panhandle to southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and possibly the Texas coast.

— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Jersey Mike’s Stock Still Comes With Concentrated Control Only a relatively small portion of Jersey Mike’s shares is expected to trade publicly after the offering.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of protrusion

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