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
While there, an officer noticed a bulge around the man’s ankles. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025 Christopher Atkins is looking back on the battle over his bulge during his time on Dallas. John Russell, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Photos posted online showed the snake arrived at a Virginia animal hospital with a bulging body. Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 This week, they’re dominated by the moon, which enters its bulging gibbous phase in advance of next week’s full strawberry moon. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • Some have fingers, horns, and other protrusions appended to their bodies.
    DOUGLAS MARKOWITZ, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • This beast looks like a young girl (surely not a coincidence, symbolically speaking), with antler-like protrusions.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Do Exclusive Giveaways And Conduct Follow-Up Bake exclusivity into a giveaway and track which loyal customers take advantage.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The underlying numbers, however, show that Guatemala really maximized its opportunity after gaining a numerical advantage.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The first-gen roam the mainland naked because of the idea that their clothes disintegrated long ago, and their appearances are characterized by veins that protrude from their body in revolting knots.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 June 2025
  • After making sure the point is protruding slightly from one side of the bait, take the extra few seconds to remove scales all around the point.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Fort Erie bursts with American tourists in the summertime, but today is empty on a gray May morning.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2025
  • France’s Nolan Traoré, who burst onto the international scene after sparkling at the 2024 Hoop Summit, was thought of as a potential high lottery pick this time last year, but an inconsistent season playing for Saint-Quentin in France’s LNB Pro A League has slowed his roll.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Some estimates put the racing movie’s launch at around $50 million to $60 million, but some projections are softer at $35 million to $40 million.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Rental projections from short-term stay experts estimate the home could bring in approximately $273,000 in gross annual income, said SWNS.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • It’s built to last, thanks to a thick resin material that won’t rust, peel, or dent, and boasts a contemporary style with clean lines and smooth edges that’s easy to match other outdoor furniture and decor.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • Cook, undisturbed, until pancake edges are dry and bubbles begin to form on surface, about 3 minutes.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Johnson immediately returned to social media Wednesday night to post a series of rambling videos discussing his arrest and seemingly poking at Rogan without addressing him directly.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Progress with Canada has been a roller coaster, with the U.S. president poking at the nation’s northern neighbor and repeatedly suggesting it would be absorbed as a U.S. state.
    Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • This famous old cricketing arena was buzzing with anticipation at the first sight in this series of the biggest danger to England’s hopes and the biggest box office attraction of five Tests in the next six weeks.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Throughout the day, The Schomburg Center buzzed with energy.
    Essence, Essence, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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