bulge 1 of 2

Definition of bulgenext
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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 abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous bulge in the body’s largest artery that can rupture without warning, with a death rate as high as 81%. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 Earth’s oceanic tidal bulge is not directly in line with the Moon and is slightly ahead of the Moon. Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026
Verb
And, soon, the OCFA crew learns that one of three storage tanks at the plant — one that contains the chemical methyl methacrylate, or MMA — is bulging. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 2 June 2026 The top of my head had been level with the bulging briefcase the girl had tucked under her arm. Annie Ernaux, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • The use of Kevlar came as part of Hatfield finding inspiration from the X-15 fighter jet, still to this day the fastest aircraft ever made, while the polarizing tongue protrusion was a nod to Jordan famously sticking out his own while playing.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
  • Officially, these prominent bumper protrusions were inspired by jet-age design and missile imagery.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Still, some experts say the lack of awareness may delay some eligible adults from taking advantage of the new coverage and getting on the treatments immediately.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • The Dodgers took full advantage of the Padres’ defensive mistakes to jump-start their offense.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The skinny braids wrapped the bottom of the bun, while the thicker braids dressed the top, forming a cylinder shape that protruded from the crown of her head.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • The apartment's one window, protruding from the zinc roof, faces west, putting it in direct sun from midday to dusk.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Without a care about the mud or the impending return to reality, the crowd relished the final moments of the festival as fireworks burst over the stage.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
  • In two places outside Berlin, the concrete of the A2 burst due to the high temperatures and the highway had to be closed.
    Kirsten Grieshaber, Fortune, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • The projections Gottfredson shared with CNBC are revisions.
    Robert Ferris, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • The 18-year-old McKenna is from Yukon’s capital of Whitehorse and has been a prolific scorer on both sides of the Canadian border, with his selection validating the projections of the left winger being his age group’s top prospect more than two years ago.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • The Americans came out energized in the second half and a Berhalter banger from the edge of the penalty area tied it up 2-2 in the 49th minute.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • The Samurai Blue have the edge on shots, 2-1, but Sweden has the lone shot on target so far through 25 minutes.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Perched on a finger of land that pokes into Lebanon, Metula is usually crowded with tourists this time of year.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The second is a vent which pokes out above your clothes, to move warm air away from you.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Mosquitos buzz in, emerging from eggs laid in stagnant water across the region.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
  • London draws more than 30 million visitors annually, and along with its buzzing energy and endless opportunities comes one of the world’s most exciting food scenes.
    Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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