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
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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
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
Air bubbles, cracks and bulges in a tire's sidewall could all warrant a tire change.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 Nov. 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
As the Earth rotates, these bulges move around and keep pointing at the Moon because of its gravitational pull.
—Stephen Dikerby, The Conversation, 15 Sep. 2025
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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
Air bubbles, cracks and bulges in a tire's sidewall could all warrant a tire change.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 Nov. 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
As the Earth rotates, these bulges move around and keep pointing at the Moon because of its gravitational pull.
—Stephen Dikerby, The Conversation, 15 Sep. 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
-
Initial projections put public infrastructure spending at about $350 million to be shared by the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois.—
Eric Mack,
FOXNews.com,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The late architect envisioned projections on Disney Hall, a chamber music venue, jazz club and better pedestrian connections to unlock the area’s potential.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Samara Weaving returns with sharper edges, this time facing off against four families in a plot that veers toward global domination.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Earth today is a jigsaw of giant chunks of crust that travel across the planet, smashing together like huge bumper cars, pushing up mountain ranges and melting back into magma along their edges.—
Marissa Grunes,
Scientific American,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The lone camera is a single round lens that protrudes from the upper-left corner of the rear panel.—
Eric Zeman,
PC Magazine,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The other two types are subserosal (which protrudes on the outside of the uterus) and intramural (which grow within the muscle layer).—
Beth Krietsch,
SELF,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The 60-year immigration bubble finally bursts.—
,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Once a cushioned conduit to the other side, the casket now bursts with the wisdom of a life lived outside the box.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
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
-
One of the big advantages of playing with both strikers is the unpredictability of who Leeds can go long to.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Before getting started, thoroughly consider all three options and weigh the benefits of splitting your funds amongst them to secure the advantages each offers now.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Kellner pokes a ball into the soft spot in left-center, scoring two runs.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Your 9th House of Journeys takes focus as the Moon pokes Jupiter in your more localized 3rd house.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The air buzzes with light music and the sound of the espresso machine as Victoria Semerei, absorbed in a book, lounges in a chair.—
Eleanor Beardsley,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
-
At night, Mandarin Plaza buzzes with conversation from the tea shop in the center.—
Xuan Juliana Wang,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bulges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulges. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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