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 Visitors can also see a state-of-the-art projection-mapping show, while guests 21 and older can enjoy cocktails and other drinks in the Harvest Nights Lounge. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026 If the projections come through, the school will need to add 750 student beds, 370 parking spaces and 270 staff members to keep pace, according to the plan. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026 But as the Chiefs rest during the bye week, Walker’s opening bid has unfolded beyond most projections, even for a reigning Super Bowl MVP. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 So, those projections weren’t that difficult to come up with in my head, honestly. — Ashley Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

The bottoms are basically Molly’s baseball cap, which looks like a dome with a bill just plonked onto it, and Shannon’s wings, which the judges say are just a gingerbread cookie with some icing on it.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Several churches sustained damage to their domes, while a hotel in Coclé and fire stations in Los Santos were also affected.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

That album drew Simmons’ bass and Bindeman’s drums to the fore of the mix, letting Harris’ guitar and vocals foam behind the rhythm section’s discrete peaks.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Elephants in the Fog competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival this year, winning the Jury Prize.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of section

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

During execution, every detail matters and there is real satisfaction in watching the pieces come together and helping translate a founder’s hopes and dreams into reality.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
There are no people in her piece, simply 45 silver images of Bowery storefronts and gutters, typically littered with empty bottles.

— J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of projection

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