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
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Through two periods, Carolina had a 25-11 advantage in shots on goal.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Paramount‘s third-quarter revenue fell shy of Wall Street analysts’ consensus forecast, but the company issued rosy 2026 projections and upped its target for cost savings from the Skydance merger.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This map shows the entire globe of the Earth projected onto a Mollweide projection, where areas are accurate and well-preserved and the map is fully connected, with no gaps.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The two-minute intro video poked gentle fun at British TV, gender politics, and artificial intelligence — and was made entirely with AI.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Shoving, tapping, poking and generally wanting to clobber the person snoring beside you doesn’t exactly put anyone in the mood for love either.
    Ian Kerner, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Its small black-and-white screen was often blurry, sometimes blank and buzzing, the programming sporadic or lame.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, endless construction, the Siegels’ lavish (but tacky) lifestyle and their chaotic family life buzz in the background.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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