Synonym Chooser

How is the word projection different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of projection are bulge, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

When is it sensible to use bulge instead of projection?

The synonyms bulge and projection are sometimes interchangeable, but bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is protrusion a more appropriate choice than projection?

The words protrusion and projection can be used in similar contexts, but protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Where would protuberance be a reasonable alternative to projection?

The words protuberance and projection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 projection Khamenei’s emergence at a religious gathering in Tehran seemed intended as a projection of stability and strength after weeks of assassination threats and speculation about his health. semafor.com, 6 July 2025 The World Bank on Thursday sharply downgraded Thailand’s full-year growth forecast for 2025 to 1.8%, down from 2.9%, and also cut its 2026 projection to 1.7% from 2.7%. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 July 2025 Healey slashed $375 million in 2024 after the state missed revenue projections for six straight months. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025 This projection makes its current trailing P/E ratio of 62 appear justifiable, particularly if the company can achieve those targets. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for projection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection
Noun
  • The growing dangers of heat waves can already be seen this summer, the researchers noted, pointing to the late June heat dome that settled over the Eastern U.S. and set new daily heat records in at least 50 cities, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • Lessons from the 2021 heat dome The 2021 heat wave was a catalyzing event for the community.
    Brian G. Henning, The Conversation, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Fortunately, Free People’s sale section is bursting at the seams right now — featuring longline shorts made for pairing with cowboy boots, oversized crewnecks you’ll be tempted to throw on over your bikini once the sun goes down, and similar seasonal essentials.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
  • Each section is stuffed with plush microfiber that makes old mattresses feel soft and comfortable.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The Council of Economic Advisers, an agency within the presidential executive office, estimates that changes in the legislation will help push the portion of seniors with exemptions and deductions exceeding Social Security income to 88%, from 64% under current law.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 7 July 2025
  • By Tuesday, major heat risk will shift further east and affect coastal and other portions of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Folks with acute back pain, disc issues (include herniations, bulgings, and protrusions), and hip labrum injuries, should check with a medical pro first before doing this move, Dr. Yu says.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 19 June 2025
  • Early revealed a protrusion of her right shoulder, a permanent disfigurement, caused by a collar bone that was broken on the hill.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • When the loss function has a convenient mathematical property called convexity, this procedure is guaranteed to find the optimal solution.
    Zachary C. Lipton, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Jan. 2016
  • Even more interesting is the fact that Noctua is issuing three variants of the cooler with variations in the convexity of the cold plate: a normal, a high-convexity, and a low-convexity model.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 June 2024
Noun
  • Violet-blue protuberances are surrounded by what look like thorns but are actually soft, if jagged, flower parts.
    Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
  • By flying drones over a remote stretch of the Canadian Arctic, scientists were able to capture unique footage of narwhals, shedding light on the function of their famed protuberances, according to a study published Feb. 27 in Frontiers in Marine Science.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Photo : Adam Potts Photography A deep overhang shaded an alfresco dining area and lounge.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 June 2025
  • Granite also tops a large central island, which features a generous overhang to allow seating for people enjoying a snack or socializing with the chef.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Mazzoli created a lush score that was alternately sweeping or intimate, sensuous or mystical, yet with a distinctive sound that was her own weaving a thread through the piece.
    Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati.com, 19 July 2017
  • This is why the war stories of Tom Clancy are such convincing and moving pieces of fiction.
    Janine Barchas, Washington Post, 18 July 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/projection. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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