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
Relevance
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
Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
Everyone in the stadium expected the net to bulge as Palmer went for the curler but the ball actually went quite a few yards wide of the post.
—Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
As Ne Zha, his wide eyes often bulge in different directions.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulge
Noun
By building calcium carbonate cups one on top of another and budding asexually, polyps collectively bulge, branch, ripple and fan out into diverse shapes, including shelves, boulders, pillars, branches and cauliflower-like nubs.
—Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
Everyone in the stadium expected the net to bulge as Palmer went for the curler but the ball actually went quite a few yards wide of the post.
—Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
Beattie is just one figure in a bulging cast of characters that Stewart handily divides into five main categories: Funders, Thinkers, Sergeants, Infantry and Power Players.
—Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
As Ne Zha, his wide eyes often bulge in different directions.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
-
Gone are most of the toggle switches (and the little safety protrusions that accompanied them) on the dashboard, with the exception of one for changing between drive, reverse, and neutral, plus another to switch between drive modes.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The sea cucumber is also covered with tentacles and papillae, or fleshy protrusions, according to the study.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Charles Koch has long been a foe of protectionism and an evangelist for free markets, competitive advantage and mutual benefit.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
2 May 2025
-
Quickly Florida parlayed a power play into a 1-1 knot just 11 seconds into the advantage on Carter Verhaeghe’s close backhander 5:21 into the game.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Those bulges protruding like alien offspring are potato, dozens of layers stacked and compressed into golden squares with crisp edges.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
When the mannequin’s arm came off in the scout’s hands – bones protruding – ol’ Elmer became a nationwide mystery.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Coogler burst onto the scene with the indie hit Fruitvale Station before going on to direct Creed and the Black Panther franchise (the latter two both starred Jordan).—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Culture Club burst onto the UK new romantic scene in 1981 and became one of the most defining and influential bands of their generation.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Both Walker and Wease had received a smattering of mock draft projections.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2025
-
There is no doubt about his NFL talent, but his ability to handle more of a full-time role is a tricky projection.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But Nungesser argues a better option is to strengthen the Mississippi River's flow by filling crevasses along the river's edge that have widened over the years.—
Kati Weis,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Texas Tech After making a splash in the winter window, the Red Raiders have made key additions in the spring as well, landing Stanford edge rusher David Bailey and Colorado offensive lineman Cash Cleveland.—
Sam Khan Jr.,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Leonard was buzzing around the net and effectively baited Canadiens defenceman Kaiden Guhle into some post-whistle contact.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The Temple buzzed with the thrills and demands of serving entertainment and spiritual solace to thousands of people a week.—
Claire Hoffman,
Rolling Stone,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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