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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Whether the oral microbiome products market clears the $2 billion threshold ahead of its 2030 projection window. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026 Nexstar’s NewsNation also partners with Decision Desk HQ, including for its election night data and projections. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 None of those players is projected to score 25 goals or 50 points with the Oilers, but the projections don’t know these men signed in Edmonton and could play with McDavid or Draisaitl. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 But a steady enrollment decline and projections of fewer students in the future forced the district to take action. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

Under the new Endangered Species Act interpretations, it would not be considered a federal offense to clear private palmetto flatwoods or cypress domes.

— Timothy Randhir, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
Across the outfield concourse of the stadium (formerly known as Coolray Field), more than 300 emerald ceramic domes will be set to temperatures ranging from 200 to 700 degrees.

— Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

Walking through it, which the work impels one to do, shows that the six sections of Shift afford a sequence of passages down into and across the terrain.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Scientists can now examine sections of DNA that were once inaccessible and detect forms of genetic variation that older methods may have missed.

— Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

Each portion of the exhibit has illustrated diagrams detailing that part of the human anatomy.

— Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
The recording includes hesitations and human interventions rather than presenting only the successful portions of the operation.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

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
Testing it myself, the case nearly eliminates the protrusion.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 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

Former employees claim that officials at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, opted not to undertake repairs of leaks in the building’s roof overhangs months ago.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Stepping out from its legal and spending overhangs, Meta’s new enterprise venture is especially exciting considering that the company doesn’t currently have a true enterprise arm.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of overhang

Noun

Current quality checks are efficient at detecting simple genetic changes, such as an altered DNA letter or a small piece of DNA that has been removed or added.

— Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
NFTs—unique, transferable records on a blockchain, often linked through metadata to a digital image, animation, or piece of code—were established as stand-alone value units on Ethereum in 2018 and subsequently traded as digital art.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of piece

Browse Nearby Words

projecting

projection

projections

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/projection. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of projection

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on projection

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

discreet

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes