1
as in protrusion
a part that sticks out from the general mass of something
several bulges in the old vinyl flooring in the dingy bathroom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
she got the bulge on him in the race for the statehouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the sides of the returning camper's suitcase bulged with a month's worth of dirty laundry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bulge
Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Without competitive businesses, the 15 million jobs needed annually for Africa’s youth bulge won’t materialize.
—Emeka Ajene, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Coiling is a procedure used to block blood flow to the aneurysm, which is a weakened or bulging artery wall, John Hopkins Medicine explains.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulge
Noun
But, if the valves weaken or become damaged, blood can pool around them, and the veins bulge.
—Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Without competitive businesses, the 15 million jobs needed annually for Africa’s youth bulge won’t materialize.
—Emeka Ajene, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
Both Pattinson and Lawrence are full-throttle acting in the scene — eyes bulging, hands waving.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Coiling is a procedure used to block blood flow to the aneurysm, which is a weakened or bulging artery wall, John Hopkins Medicine explains.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
-
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,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Packers should have the advantage in the contest, as Arizona backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett is set to start in Week 7 with Kyler Murray sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a foot sprain.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Regardless, the Avs finished the second period with 30 shot attempts (after 29 in the first) and a two-goal advantage.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
With handbags seamlessly protruding from skirts, pantyhose covering stacks of massive bangles, doses of hot pink and big fur, the collection was made for social media consumption.—
Denni Hu,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Lucas and Simone had been tasked with holding and then removing a protruding piece of a forklift metal prong impaled in a construction worker’s abdomen.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Simpson has burst onto the scene in his first year as the Alabama starter after taking over for Jalen Milroe.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
-
About 700,000 years later, the strait burst open again, and a brutal megaflood filled the Mediterranean in a matter of months.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The sequencing, the dissolves, the rhythm of projection all recall the emotional power of the slideshow, that fragile form where photography and music meet to create something larger than either.—
Alessia Glaviano,
Vogue,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The forecast also included projections for the busiest cruise ports, with the three that topped the list located in Florida.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the deciding third round, Jandiroba had the edge early on the feet but allowed Dern to land some harder shots late.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
KAConsulting shows a three-point lead (47–44), Quantus Insights finds a two-point edge (48–46), and Trafalgar Group/Insider Advantage reports just a one-point gap (45–44).—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
One poked his head into the live shot and later stuck his hand into the frame, seemingly seeking a fist bump from the reporter.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Kean himself gets a tattoo hand-poked into his skin and applies medieval salves to his wounds.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The air buzzed with laughter, connection, and anticipation.—
Essence,
Essence,
20 Oct. 2025
-
On Trend Attendees were buzzing about the opportunities digital printing brings to denim.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share