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
At present, the two black holes are separated by only around 2,600 light-years (roughly one-tenth of the distance between Earth and Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way's central black hole), with the smaller hole moving around the host galaxy's bulge. Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Each thong is made from luxe, breathable Italian microfiber and constructed with raw-cut edges without elastic or taping to eliminate digs, bulges and panty lines designed to provide comfort and a flawless fit. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 May 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
  • That said, Nordstrom cardmembers enjoy a major advantage: Early Access, beginning as early as July 8, depending on your Nordy Club status.
    Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 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
  • The actor and writer burst onto the scene at only 17 years old when director Michael Mayer found him and cast him as Ernst in the off-Broadway production of Spring Awakening, a role Glick reprised in the hit Broadway production.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 30 June 2025
  • The Cow burst onto the scene as an indictment of the rural poverty in which millions of Iranians lived.
    Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • Cook, undisturbed, until pancake edges are dry and bubbles begin to form on surface, about 3 minutes.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • Like Squid Game, The Prisoner beguiles the viewer by turning traditional symbols of familiar, homegrown calm (in this case, an idyllic seaside town) into disorientating weapons that keep the characters on a knife's edge.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 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
  • At home, appliances hum, HVAC systems cycle, lawn mowers and leaf blowers buzz outside, and doorbells, phones, and televisions interrupt the quiet.
    Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The notifications buzzing in her back pocket were becoming more frantic, arriving every few minutes now.
    Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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