PROJECTION Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'projection' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of projection are bulge , protrusion , and protuberance . While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle. // those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Q: When is it sensible to use 'bulge' instead of 'projection'?

The synonyms bulge and projection are sometimes interchangeable, but bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure. // bulges in the tile floor

Q: When is 'protrusion' a more appropriate choice than 'projection'?

The words protrusion and projection can be used in similar contexts, but protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity. // the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Q: Where would 'protuberance' be a reasonable alternative to 'projection'?

The words protuberance and projection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form. // a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

projection

noun

prə-ˈjek-shən

Definition of projection

as in dome

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something filed down all the projections until the surface was smooth

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How is the word projection different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of projection are bulge, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

When is it sensible to use bulge instead of projection?

The synonyms bulge and projection are sometimes interchangeable, but bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is protrusion a more appropriate choice than projection?

The words protrusion and projection can be used in similar contexts, but protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Where would protuberance be a reasonable alternative to projection?

The words protuberance and projection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 projection Current projections suggest that only around 400 million jobs will be created during that same period. — Paschal Donohoe, Time, 8 July 2026 Its projection is far worse than that of most other economists; the Saudi government’s own forecast is for debt of around 33% of GDP by 2028, up from 32% now. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 8 July 2026 Without a boost from new digital revenue, CNN’s business will likely decline, according to projections from Kagan, a market-research unit of S&P Global Intelligence. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 July 2026 The analysts were skeptical of several projections highlighted by the company — and bullish investors. — Yun Li, CNBC, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

The National Weather Service said cool air from the north will push the heat dome, responsible for a heat wave that started midweek, south and west in the coming days, relieving some of the most extreme temperatures in the Northeast.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 July 2026
The East Coast is expected to soon feel some relief from the extreme temperatures as the heat dome shrinks, bringing chances of severe thunderstorms.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

The section’s vague language and many loopholes could have a chilling effect on any research that studies the effects of a disease, policy or public health intervention on any specific group of people, Rafla-Yuan said.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Starting Monday night, the section of Interstate 84 between the Black Canyon interchange at Exit 13 and the Oregon state line will be undergoing repairs.

— Noah Daly July 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026

Definition of section

Noun

James McConnell The 21-year-old central midfielder returned to action at the end of last season, playing for the under-21s and training with the first team after an injury kept him out of action for a large portion of the campaign.

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Students are expected to return to the building when classes begin in August, although portions of the project will continue through most of November.

— Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

Surgeons noted that the man appeared in good health before the surgery, reporting no symptoms besides the painless protrusion.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
Traditional control surfaces create gaps and protrusions that increase radar cross-section and require constant adjustments in fly-by-wire systems.

— Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Definition of protrusion

Noun

Today, convexity, which can be more expensive, is used earlier and some experts recommend a convexity-first approach after ostomy surgery.

— Diego Schaps, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
The tower flaunts its partnership with the Dime Savings Bank, sending the 1908 landmark’s geometrical exuberance rocketing upward in a play of convexities and concavities, glass and trim, darkness and gleam.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026

Definition of convexity

Noun

As does the Buddha’s Hand, a pulp-less lemon with fragrant, yellowy finger-like protuberances best for zesting, candying, and making infusions for teas, simple syrups, marinades, and libations.

— Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Described as bright green with small protuberances on its back, the frog belongs to the Gastrotheca genus, a group of marsupial frogs found in Central and South America.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of protuberance

Noun

Some festivalgoers were sheltering under a museum overhang tonight, singing patriotic tunes as rain began falling.

— Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
The leading labs are also preparing for stock market listings, and settling the question of the government's role before their shares trade would remove a major overhang for prospective investors.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of overhang

Noun

The massive piece of domestic policy legislation passed a year ago, reshaping the country in profound ways from Medicaid and food-stamp cuts to a federal student loan overhaul.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 July 2026
The Don Yai Thong archaeological site, about 80 miles southwest of Bangkok, was discovered early this year after residents found pieces of ancient bronze drums in a rice field, leading to further excavation.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of piece

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projecting

projection

projections

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“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/projection. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of projection

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