1
as in protrusion
a part that sticks out from the general mass of something
several bulges in the old vinyl flooring in the dingy bathroom
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
she got the bulge on him in the race for the statehouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the sides of the returning camper's suitcase bulged with a month's worth of dirty laundry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bulge
Sohaib Imtiaz, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
Originally designed for line-of-battle engagements, Fusō underwent major refits in the 1930s, gaining improved armor, torpedo bulges, and a speed of roughly 24 knots.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
In the scene, when Zoey and Mira catch sight of the guys, their eyes turn into bulging red hearts, then change shape several more times as the attraction escalates.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulge
Noun
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery in the brain.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
Originally designed for line-of-battle engagements, Fusō underwent major refits in the 1930s, gaining improved armor, torpedo bulges, and a speed of roughly 24 knots.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
Dragged down by steep declines at its star brand Gucci and a bulging debt load, Kering has also been closing stores, selling real estate and reducing headcount after a dismal start to the year that saw group net profit plummet 46 percent in the first half.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
In the scene, when Zoey and Mira catch sight of the guys, their eyes turn into bulging red hearts, then change shape several more times as the attraction escalates.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
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The female’s back is covered in small protrusions that resemble popped kernels of popcorn, inspiring its genus name Zea, derived from the corn plant.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
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This protein is needed for the formation of cilia — hairlike protrusions that cells can use to move — as well as in the assembly of the mitotic spindle that organizes chromosomes during cell division, and for the transport of neurotransmitters in neurons.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The work accomplished at Silent Swarm 2025, along with technology such as the TEEMS device, illustrates how the company is architecting the advantage for today’s performance and tomorrow’s success along the tactical edge.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
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Through two periods, Carolina had a 25-11 advantage in shots on goal.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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To add to the hilarity, one of the dachshunds appeared to have chewed through a couch cushion and somehow gotten stuck inside it, with its head and legs filmed protruding through the torn fabric.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
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The early word was that the protruding pair was a customized version of Adidas Adistar Cushion 3 sneakers made specifically for Williams.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While the football program, which will move up to Class 5A for the next two-year cycle that starts in 2026, has established itself as a perennial playoff team under Startzer, other Nighthawks programs have also burst onto the scene.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
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Hagan’s initial shot on a corner was deflected to the left wing, and Cusack bursted to the loose ball to flick it in.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Illinois is top 10 at KenPom (sixth), Bart Torvik (eighth) and EvanMiya (eighth), three highly respected analytical projection sites.—
Jim Root,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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The Athletic’s projection model gives the Hurricanes a 15% chance of making the 12-team field now after being projected to have a 97% chance of making it before the Louisville game.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The measure appears to have been the least favored around the southeastern edge of the county, an area that was originally supposed to get access to the silver line.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
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These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Vogue's Anna Wintour playfully poked fun at Rocky's daughter being his namesake in her introduction to the rapper, 37.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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Sad and Beautiful World finds Mavis, 86, exploring, rediscovering, and poking holes at her lifetime of righteous optimism.—
Jonathan Bernstein,
Rolling Stone,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Beetle buzzes by with tiny pumpkins perched on top, and Xuanwu, a ground robot carrying a drone, walks ominously in the background.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
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Restaurants named in the Michelin Guide American South have been announced, and now is the perfect time to get a taste of what the food scene has been buzzing about all year.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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