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 But the most dire projections have not yet come to pass six months into a conflict that has no end in sight. — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 The networks do not submit their ad rates to public scrutiny, but these figures represent the most concise means of assessing the ratings projections for the 2026-27 season. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026 According to Castillo, the two projections illustrate how the timing and pace of implementing the reductions could affect the district’s ability to maintain enough cash to meet its payroll and other financial obligations throughout the year. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Licata and other district leaders also said Thursday that MAP growth projections show a trajectory instead of a final outcome, which won’t come until students actually take the STAAR exam in the spring. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

The sensory dome is expected to be the most expensive feature at a cost of about $153,500, followed by the we-go-round at a cost of about $50,000.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
The shoes follow a classic multi-strap Mary Jane design, embellished with tiny golden dome studs and hardware accents decorating the straps, the counter and the toe box.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

Sandra Lim, The Curious Thing While there is an undercurrent of a breakup throughout this collection, particularly in the third section, what drives this book is a reorientation of the self in the world.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Though China remains by far the biggest investor in African mining, countries across the continent are looking to reduce their reliance on Beijing while expanding their control over more valuable sections of the supply chain.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

Testing it myself, the case nearly eliminates the protrusion.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
It was chosen because this animal’s femur lacks a crest or raised bony protrusion – known as a trochanter – where part of the tail musculature would attach.

— The Conversation, Fortune, 10 Aug. 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

Engineers who separately examined the building’s exterior supposedly found widespread corrosion in structural components of the soffit panels along the underside of an overhang that wraps around the center.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Volatility tends to ease in November, with the VIX falling around 4% as the midterm results remove a key political overhang and provide investors with greater clarity on the policy backdrop, said James Ooi, market strategist at Tiger Brokers.

— Joanna Ossinger,Justina Lee, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of overhang

Noun

Furnishings are modular with Italian flair—not only did the bed in my suite appear to hover above the ground, but the headboard, bedside tables, and bed base were made entirely from one piece of white leather.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Nicole Kidman, Jessica Alba, and Reese Witherspoon have all recently worn striped button-front tops, inspiring me to recreate their looks with pieces from my own wardrobe.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of projection

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