Definition of projectionnext

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 That tournament produced nearly a half-billion dollars in economic activity, double the original projections. Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 The projection comes after months of fiscal turmoil, with district officials scrambling to close a roughly $170 million budget gap and avoid state receivership. Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026 How renters could be affected If voters approve the plan, cities, counties and special taxing districts would stand to lose nearly $5 billion the first year, and nearly $12 billion in the fifth year, according to state economists’ recent projections. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 In January, an anti-ICE projection was reposted by Don Lemon to millions of views, and even CNN came calling. Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection
Noun
  • The objective is to study the composition and origin of the domes and surroundings.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026
  • The residential project includes a panoramic terrace, which overlooks Brunelleschi’s dome of the cathedral.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Dad’s story was understandably relegated to the D-section alongside the obits of a theater producer and a union labor attorney.
    Griffin Dunne, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • All seven bridges along the trail were replaced, a new boardwalk was added near the lake, and crews reconstructed large sections of trail damaged by debris flows and flooding.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Brazil started off the Group Stage portion of the tournament with a 1-1 tie in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
  • The portion of the Genesis verse cited by Roupp on his hat included God's promise to never again send a worldwide flood and the rainbow in the sky is the sign of that covenant.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Prolapse or protrusion of hemorrhoids don’t go back in.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • An unnoticed protrusion on the floor she’s dragged across renders her injury considerably worse, turning temporary acute discomfort into a real medical emergency.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
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
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
Noun
  • The oil supply shock caused by the Iran war has eroded global demand for crude — but a lasting resolution to the conflict could drive a surge in supply volumes and trigger a major oil overhang next year, the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 June 2026
  • Under the grandstand overhangs, guys in full thobes and bucket hats played keepy-uppy.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Opportunities to acquire a permanent piece of internet infrastructure are considerably rarer.
    Phil Lodico, Fortune, 20 June 2026
  • Choose three- and eight-piece sets to fit any need and make an easy swap for reusable containers, which can also save thousands of plastic bags.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/projection. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on projection

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster