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
  • Slaughter’s fit at left guard requires some projection.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Senate Democratic leaders also noted that, based on state analysts’ revenue projections, the GOP plan would eliminate nearly all surplus funds in future years, potentially pushing state finances in deficit.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 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
  • The area Surrounded by a ripple of hills in a relatively unknown section of the Serengeti National Park, there’s little risk of bumping into another vehicle close to camp.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Assaidi lives in the Morris Park section of the Bronx, according to cops.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Since the discovery of the bacterial flagellar motor in the 1970s, biologists and creationists alike have marveled at its design like medieval architects staring with awe at the dome of the Pantheon built by their Roman ancestors.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Wall Street firm said the recent Novo Nordisk partnership could mark a turning point, removing a significant legal overhang.
    Christina Cheddar Berk,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Now alone and without climbing equipment, Sasha has one final overhang to summit.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 24 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
  • The chefs then get three hours, starting now, to put their own spin on that dessert and create 60 portions to feed to Top Chef fans converging to celebrate the series’ 20 years on the air.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That is borne out by the real-life strategy of the University of California endowment, run by Jagdeep Singh Bachher, who seven years ago shifted a significant portion of the fund’s assets from hedge funds, private equity and venture capital into low cost stock index funds.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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