1
as in projections
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 edges
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 protrudes
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 bulges
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2026
Scientists usually expect the central bulges of elliptical galaxies to form rapidly and thus be dominated by low-mass stars.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The tree is resting on wires as the root of the tree bulges up from the ground along William Penn Highway, a major roadway in the county.
—Mamie Bah, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Some online commenters in areas where it has been deployed also say the system struggles to properly level surfaces after holes are filled, which can lead to speed bump–like bulges.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
Artificially enlarging their crotch area, either by injecting their genitals with engorging chemicals or stuffing their underwear to create bigger bulges, allows the athletes to alter their suit measurements.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, sidewall bulges or blisters and dents in wheel rims.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The study found that flu viruses need bigger bulges on the cell’s surface to get inside.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
There are wide back straps that smooth out any bulges, and the cups provide great separation, which is uncommon with many wireless styles.
—Gabriela Garcia, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
It’s made from a four-way stretch fabric that shapes, smoothes, and minimizes bumps or bulges that may show through your T-shirt.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2026
Scientists usually expect the central bulges of elliptical galaxies to form rapidly and thus be dominated by low-mass stars.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The tree is resting on wires as the root of the tree bulges up from the ground along William Penn Highway, a major roadway in the county.
—Mamie Bah, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Some online commenters in areas where it has been deployed also say the system struggles to properly level surfaces after holes are filled, which can lead to speed bump–like bulges.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
Artificially enlarging their crotch area, either by injecting their genitals with engorging chemicals or stuffing their underwear to create bigger bulges, allows the athletes to alter their suit measurements.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, sidewall bulges or blisters and dents in wheel rims.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The study found that flu viruses need bigger bulges on the cell’s surface to get inside.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
There are wide back straps that smooth out any bulges, and the cups provide great separation, which is uncommon with many wireless styles.
—Gabriela Garcia, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
Verb
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a brain aneurysm is a weakened area in an artery that bulges outward and fills with blood.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulges
Noun
-
Belt tightening, more optimistic revenue projections, lower-than-expected costs and reserve funds in varying degrees helped state and local government spending plans avoid yawning deficits.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
The psychological thriller has obliterated projections, with early tracking suggesting a $40 million to $50 million domestic debut.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Sometimes they are flattered, invited inside, and quietly stripped of their sharp edges.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
-
The most valuable goods sit at the center of the bazaar, with prices becoming more accessible toward the outer edges.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
These are more likely to cause painless rectal bleeding or tissue that protrudes during a bowel movement.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Part of it protrudes from the exterior, with natural airflow helping keep the food inside chilled.—
Adam Williams
March 29,
New Atlas,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Haaland bursts our bubble almost immediately by scoring in the opening five minutes, and Burnley miss a few good first-half chances, with striker Zian Flemming particularly culpable.—
Nnamdi Onyeagwara,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The 60-year immigration bubble finally bursts.—
,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 10a’s completely flat back is a rarity among smartphones, most of which have substantial protrusions that house their camera optics, causing those devices to wobble when placed on a table.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Plus, having two accomplished sisters has its advantages.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
That disconnect is beginning to create what could become the new trust economy—one in which governance, authentication, transparency and accountability become strategic advantages for the companies in this space, rather than just operational or compliance obstacles.—
Jacques Ledbetter,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apparently isn’t amused by a new board game that pokes fun at the Oklahoma City Thunder star’s reputation for garnering foul calls at the hint of contact by an opposing player.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
Kym is the family fuckup and a guilty party to its biggest tragedy but also constantly pokes the bear as its selfish verbal assassin.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The Coburg Bar buzzes with a zappy, more visible, businesses-like energy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
The surrounding area buzzes with energy during market hours.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bulges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulges. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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