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 As someone who isn’t a character person, the centerpiece for me is Villains Grove, which takes over the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail with projections and effects that nod to various evil characters. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Those figures are company projections, however, and the technology still needs to progress through testing and qualification before such benefits could be demonstrated commercially. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 As Poles grinds through his Sunday, The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain and Dan Wiederer offer this roster projection. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Singh said the latest projections show the district has enough money to last through the middle of May. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

Signs point towards the heat dome holding fairly steady across the Plains through the next two weeks before temperatures trend back towards average.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Many of the 76 rooms and suites include private terraces overlooking Gran Via with the upper floor rooms facing the ornate gold dome of the Metropolis, one of Madrid’s most famous buildings.

— Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

Some of those railings have been removed across various sections of the ground and replaced by additional seats, leading to an increase in capacity of around 500.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Peel the tangerines and/or clementines, then separate into clusters of 3 or 4 sections, removing any especially egregious stringy bits.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka faces Linda Noskova in the early window, with Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro in an all-American matchup in the late portion.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Significant flash flooding and mudslides across Kauai County and portions of the Big Island (Hawaii County).

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of portion

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

Reuters Meta's $18 billion social media settlement lifts a legal overhang that some analysts say could clear the way for a wave of new AI product launches.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Bridges and overhangs were clean, confirming excellent exposure calibration and the printer's ability to resolve intricate features without sacrificing dimensional accuracy.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of overhang

Browse Nearby Words

projecting

projection

projections

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“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/projection. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of projection

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