Definition of protrusionnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word protrusion different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of protrusion are bulge, projection, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

When is it sensible to use bulge instead of protrusion?

The meanings of bulge and protrusion largely overlap; however, bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is projection a more appropriate choice than protrusion?

The synonyms projection and protrusion are sometimes interchangeable, but projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

When would protuberance be a good substitute for protrusion?

The words protuberance and protrusion can be used in similar contexts, but 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 protrusion Other extant primates typically have receding lower jaws, without a distinct protrusion. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 The female’s back is covered in small protrusions that resemble popped kernels of popcorn, inspiring its genus name Zea, derived from the corn plant. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 This protein is needed for the formation of cilia — hairlike protrusions that cells can use to move — as well as in the assembly of the mitotic spindle that organizes chromosomes during cell division, and for the transport of neurotransmitters in neurons. Quanta Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025 Karst formations, a porous rock, stick out as jagged protrusions in between lush forest and provide plenty of places for small creatures to hide. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protrusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion
Noun
  • While initial projections saw the Lucasfilm western grossing $40 million by Sunday, that number now looks closer to $25 million, according to rival estimates.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 May 2026
  • Maxwell Bowman’s projection and video design are sharply on point, with clean and clear swipes and transitions that are the lifeblood of any live production.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 29 May 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
  • It’s made from a four-way stretch fabric that shapes, smoothes, and minimizes bumps or bulges that may show through your T-shirt.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2026
  • Astronomers believe that, some 500 million years ago, NGC 1266 merged with a smaller galaxy, leading to a burst in star formation—but the collision also increased the mass in the central bulge.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The senior escaped several jams to toss a five-hitter with 12 strikeouts to lead JSerra past La Mirada 3-2 for its first section title.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • In the frozen food section, Deep Brands is serving Asian flavors to a diverse customer base that reflects the country, not just an Asian population, according to General Manager Kiernan Laughlin.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Their final shape, round and big as racquetballs, came together when Dale portioned the dough balls into a silicone half-dome mold.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
  • Players from the top European teams, like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, had already played sixty matches during their regular seasons, before taking to pitches in heat-dome temperatures of ninety-seven degrees and stifling humidity.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Make sure your grill is a few feet from your home and far away from awning overhangs, plants, etc.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • Raymond James upgrades Invitation Homes and AMH to outperform from market perform The firm says several industry overhangs are poised to be removed due to a housing affordability bill advancing through Congress.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 18 May 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
  • The memorial is made up of a garden with 50 granite steps leading to a massive tablet carved with a portion of his inauguration address from 1961.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
  • Blanche said later at the hearing that the DOJ wasn't abandoning the tax portion of the settlement.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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