bulge 1 of 2

Definition of bulgenext
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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
Those who have had pain in their pubic region while coughing, lifting objects or bending or who have noticed a bulge in their abdomen are encouraged to this screening and education event. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 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
Verb
Her stomach bulged beneath her I ❤ FLORIDA boatneck and her face was round and waxy-pale. Stephen King, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 But if the gland expands or droops, which is common with age, a portion of it can escape those confines, bulging out below the jawbone and appearing as a lump in the neck. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • Prolapse or protrusion of hemorrhoids don’t go back in.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 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
Noun
  • While visiting Shoshone, take advantage of scenic drives to some of the surrounding sites.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • But the 34-year-old right-hander couldn’t hold Kansas City’s slim advantage for the entirety of his outing.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Elsewhere on the trophy, there are the original rules to soccer, from 1863, which include a proscription on players having nails, iron plates, or gutta-percha—a Malaysian rubberlike material, now used in root canals—protruding from their boots.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • The cups also feature a more angular design, visibly protruding rather than gradually curving.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The band whipping through Connecticut this week that really can’t be said to have burst from a large previously existing musical genre.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026
  • Nearly three decades after Lara first burst onto screens, Legacy of Atlantis aims to honor the spirit of the original adventure while expanding the character for modern audiences.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • In January, an anti-ICE projection was reposted by Don Lemon to millions of views, and even CNN came calling.
    Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2026
  • That meeting will also include the release of the next summary of economic projections.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • The union has argued that the language — coupled with an arbitration provision — will limit the use of AI replicas to a handful of edge cases.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 June 2026
  • As the resort’s premium hotel-within-a-hotel experience, Hōkūpa‘a Tower guests will not only find larger indoor and outdoor room layouts, but will also gain access to The Lānai, a private lounge-style space with complimentary food and drinks, a private bar, and infinity-edge cocktail pools.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch Johnny Carson poke fun at everyone, identify and support up-and-coming comics, entertain with clever and timeless skits, bring on musical guests and tell jokes.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • Even Parsons himself poked fun at such notions.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • The Coburg Bar buzzes with a zappy, more visible, businesses-like energy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Fans of the legendary designer and his whimsical, punk, off-kilter designs have been buzzing since the recent announcement that the Marc Jacobs Beauty brand would be making a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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