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 An especially hot October also puts 2026 on track to be among the hottest years ever recorded—if not the hottest—according to projections from climate scientists Andrew Dessler and Zeke Hausfather. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026 Connecticut Voices reported in late August that nearly 63,000 Connecticut residents have lost federal nutrition benefits since last July — roughly double state officials’ projections. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026 So was hosting 43 shows, as their initial projections had Morton Amphitheater hosting just over 30 concerts in its first season. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026 But at night the Orb is designed to radiate a video projection pulsing with Technicolor luster. — Elisa Turner, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

The same should hold true under the Capitol dome in Springfield.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
The Los Angeles and Dallas locations have capacity for around 350 seats each, while the newer domes in Atlanta and Detroit have up to 500 available seats.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

Testing a critical component The Mk21A serves as the front-end payload section of the Sentinel ICBM.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
When the rhythm section drops away, her voice hangs among flute, synthesiser, and reverberation; when the rhythm returns, the bass feels newly physical.

— Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

Caltrans said that during the portion of the closure, those lanes will be free for everyone to use to get through the traffic.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
Hard to believe, but the postseason is underway for a large portion of the country, with everyone else to follow suit next week.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

Moments later, Jay is trapped inside, surrounded by gooey protrusions of undulating flesh.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Despite their pointy protrusions, the sculptures are not spiky enough to leave a mark; and despite their flirtations with touchy subject matter, none of the works—not even the 9/11 ones—are vulgar enough to get Wolfson in hot water.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 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

Tal then moved to New York and was the audience lead for Departures as well as freelance writing destination and food-centric pieces for publications including Travel + Leisure.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
When packing space is limited, every piece needs to be pulling double duty, which is where versatile matching sets like this Pinspark two-piece set come in handy.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of projection

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