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 Advertisement In other cases, however, the protrusions can affect the rabbits’ eyes and mouth, preventing them from being able to eat, drink, or see clearly. Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Aug. 2025 Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What To Know Locals have described the growths as scabby patches with black, toothpick-like or quill-like protrusions around the mouth and face of cottontail rabbits spotted in yards and parks in Fort Collins, according to the WFSB report. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 Hernias are protrusions of internal organs through the muscle wall that may require surgery for repair. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 18 July 2025 These cells are narrow and have short microvilli, finger-like protrusions on the surface of some cells. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for protrusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion
Noun
  • Finally, my projections are meant as broad expectation setters and not a hard ceiling or floor for each player.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • All of the four projections show an energy mix, as well as dramatic increases in solar and wind.
    Robert G. Eccles, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the far distance lies the Pacific Ocean, and beyond that, featureless protuberances labeled Japan, Russia and China.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Above the central display is a ventilative protuberance sporting a pair of menacing ambient lights.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Nonic or English pint glasses are of a similar shape but with a bulge an inch or so from the top.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Shortly after their release in early 2023, some Ryzen 7000-series X3D chips were becoming physically deformed, developing bulges on the bottom that could permanently damage the CPU and bend the pins in the CPU socket.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Department of Buildings told CBS News New York and News 12 Long Island that a 10-by-10-inch section of the ceiling collapsed due to possible water damage, and pieces of the building fell on customers dining inside.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The books are now located on the top shelves of adult nonfiction sections, with signs notifying patrons of the change.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The fair also will feature two stages of music, an entertainment dome, mouthwatering festival food and plenty of cold beer.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The inlay is protected within a metal bezel, per the campaign, beneath a protective glass dome cabochon.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The overhang in supply could quickly flip the leverage in buyers’ favor, forcing sellers into price cuts.
    John Walkup, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • This proportion works better, in our opinion, than the regular shorter rear overhang of the Huayra.
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even more interesting is the fact that Noctua is issuing three variants of the cooler with variations in the convexity of the cold plate: a normal, a high-convexity, and a low-convexity model.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 June 2024
  • Exploiting mispricing in the 21st century will depend more on understanding the convexity of outcomes not yet visible.
    Jeff Henriksen, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2021
Noun
  • This is especially true when facing the game's many bosses, who often only briefly telegraph their intentions before unleashing attacks that can fill a huge portion of the screen.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
  • What To Know Subway said its four Fresh Fit sandwiches will be built on multigrain bread and contain a serving of vegetables, at least 20 grams of protein and fewer than 500 calories in a 6-inch portion.
    Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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