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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Johnny Moreno’s video and projection design artfully augments the production’s imaginative world. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 The negatives are then printed as positives on the 70-mm prints for projection. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026 Healthcare staffing challenges will likely worsen, according to a 2025 US Health Resources and Services Administration projection, with the agency predicting a shortage of 70,610 primary care doctors by 2038. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 The additional wattage turns the usual 2-D projection into a 3-D production. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

In 2025, the company finalized an agreement with Baghdad to redevelop oil and gas resources in Kirkuk, covering the Baba and Avanah domes of the Kirkuk field and the nearby Bai Hassan, Jambur and Khabbaz fields.

— Lee Ying Shan,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026
As the shift in the heat dome was happening, the wildfires erupted in Canada.

— Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

Alberto Briseno, a section chief for ICE's Homeland Security Investigations, wrote in a declaration that ICE personnel deleted the file after it was discovered and it was not used for law enforcement purposes.

— Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 17 July 2026
There was disappointment among sections of the fanbase that Neave was not given more of an opportunity over the run-in, especially given how Woltemade and Wissa struggled.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of section

Noun

Widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches, with up to 6 inches in the strongest thunderstorms, are possible from the western Florida Panhandle to southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and possibly the Texas coast.

— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Jersey Mike’s Stock Still Comes With Concentrated Control Only a relatively small portion of Jersey Mike’s shares is expected to trade publicly after the offering.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

Visitors may have noticed that Odorysseus’ spadix — the conic protrusion emerging upward from the plant — was much taller than Odora’s, which had caved in.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
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

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

While the overhang on BlackRock this year has been private credit exposure, this is a strong set of numbers.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Run a knife or offset spatula around edge of pan to loosen treats, lift from pan using parchment overhang as handles, and cut evenly into 24 bars.

— Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

Definition of overhang

Noun

Piece by piece, his group traded for Anthony Rizzo, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks; drafted Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber; signed free agents Jon Lester, Ben Zobrist and Dexter Fowler; and hired Joe Maddon, the perfect manager for that moment.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Competitive Wordle Score The Bot and I tie, once again, with three a piece.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of projection

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