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
Why Nations Care About Longevity Japan’s aging costs, Europe’s silver wave, China’s shrinking workforce, America’s senior tipping point, and Saudi Arabia’s youth bulge all explain why longevity has moved from science experiment to state strategy. Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Nonic or English pint glasses are of a similar shape but with a bulge an inch or so from the top. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
To be a real man, according to this content, young adolescent boys are expected to be tall and broad-shouldered with bulging biceps, pronounced trapezius muscles, and washboard abs. Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025 But now, as the result of hours spent training in the gym, Draper boasts an imposing frame with biceps visibly bulging from underneath his t-shirt. Ben Church, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • Karst formations, a porous rock, stick out as jagged protrusions in between lush forest and provide plenty of places for small creatures to hide.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
  • As per the press release, these included small, circular protrusions or bumps, elliptical protrusions with a fingerprint-like pattern, and a third set of large, round marks.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One major advantage of developing artificial intelligence in China lies in the availability of large, high-quality datasets, particularly coming from hospitals that are often willing to share medical information for research purposes.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Who is looking strongest for these next three races/who has the advantage beyond just points standings?
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Electronic doors give cars a high-tech aura and may modestly reduce wind resistance because their exterior handles typically do not protrude from the door.
    Jack Ewing, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In aircraft design, various components can protrude from the plane’s body and disrupt this smooth airflow, introducing turbulence and increasing drag.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That was the start of a three-TD fourth quarter for the Broncos, who burst ahead 41-17 after leading just 20-17.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Readers are always requesting more weeknight dinners that are easy to pull together and bursting with flavor.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Reflect Orbital’s own staggering projection of 250,000 satellites still calculates to only delivering the target 20% of midday sun to a very limited number of regions simultaneously.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Oilers Make Major Decision on Connor McDavid Future Hockey fans may remember when Hutson, in his draft year, significantly dropped after consistent first-round projections.
    Greg Liodice, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Audi — never one to truly push hard into the proper luxury coupe market, but always working around its edges — has bowed out of the two-door market entirely.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Cowboys poked a hole in the Jets’ balloon after the Hall fumble.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • An alligator’s head could be seen poking out of the water just a few feet away as Whaley prepared to take his shot, but the 30-year-old quickly brought the ball back onto dry land and escaped with par on the 11th green.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And international editor Elsa Keslassy reports on the media biz buzz by the sea in Cannes as the annual Mipcom content market begins.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Other signs of a wasp infestation include finding dead wasps in your home or hearing buzzing indoors.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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