bulge 1 of 2

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bulge

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verb

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as in to burst
to be copiously supplied this guidebook to San Francisco positively bulges with useful information

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of bulge are projection, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is projection a more appropriate choice than bulge?

The synonyms projection and bulge are sometimes interchangeable, but projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Where would protrusion be a reasonable alternative to bulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulge, protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

When would protuberance be a good substitute for bulge?

The meanings of protuberance and bulge largely overlap; however, 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 bulge
Noun
Aurora is typically seen in polar regions at around latitudes of 70 degrees north and south, but during strong geomagnetic conditions the auroral oval can bulge, with displays then seen as far as 40 degrees north and south. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 Coping with Mood Swings and Anxiety But can these drugs really help shrink the hormonal belly bulge? Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 May 2025
Verb
Sardines, known for their long, slender bodies and bulging eyes are the online world's cutesy representation of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 May 2025 In another viral TikTok, one frequent flier showed off the carry-on’s roomy interior by seamlessly zipping up the bulging luggage. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • The slow-moving creatures, — distinguished by the thorn-like protrusions that cover their bodies — are found up to 3,600 feet below the surface of the ocean.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Gone are most of the toggle switches (and the little safety protrusions that accompanied them) on the dashboard, with the exception of one for changing between drive, reverse, and neutral, plus another to switch between drive modes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sam Bennett, who scored twice in Florida’s Game 1 loss, capitalized on the man advantage with the game’s first goal.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • Even among guards, the ability for a taller player to see over the defense can be an advantage when making reads.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Alleging an intrusive shed, a protruding carport and sprinkler damage, a Meridian church has taken legal action against a longtime neighbor.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2025
  • Using a chemical glove box, a polycarbonate glass box with protruding gloves that shields substances from oxygen and moisture, scientists combined the berkelium metal with an organic molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen to create a chemical reaction.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But there is part of me that actually believes Wayne was at his creative peak on 2004’s Tha Carter, where the Cash Money little brother with a chip on his shoulder collides with the looser, throne-craving supernova, ready to burst.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
  • In Raleigh, North Carolina, a water utility organization uses AI to forecast which pipes are most likely to burst, helping crews replace them proactively.
    Darshan Tiwari, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • But fiscal hawks are less enthusiastic about the tax cuts because of the debt projections.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2025
  • However, with revenue projections for the budget year that begins July 1 dimming in the months since the governor made his proposal, legislators approved some new ideas to bring in more money, including changes that would allow Illinois to tax offshore and out-of-state corporate profits.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • In a Venezuelan election, running as an incumbent gives you the sort of edge that any unscrupulous and power-hungry leader around the world can only fantasize about.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • The water instead rolls down the fly and through the lower mesh edge, onto the exterior tub floor fabric and onto the ground.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • That victory put O’Malley back in the rankings. O’Malley’s next bout ended in a no contest, when an eye poke in the second round left Pedro Munhoz unable to continue.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev poked fun at the explosive war of words between U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, offering to mediate peace between the two political allies.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Much of the cast, including creator Lin Manuel Miranda, Jonathan Groff, Daveed Diggs, Christopher Jackson, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Reneé Elise Goldsberry, walked the carpet embracing other stars who were buzzing with excitement for what the performance could be.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
  • But others, including Grand Central Market, were already buzzing with customers.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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