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 The slow-moving creatures, — distinguished by the thorn-like protrusions that cover their bodies — are found up to 3,600 feet below the surface of the ocean. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025 Gone are most of the toggle switches (and the little safety protrusions that accompanied them) on the dashboard, with the exception of one for changing between drive, reverse, and neutral, plus another to switch between drive modes. ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025 The sea cucumber is also covered with tentacles and papillae, or fleshy protrusions, according to the study. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 With a slight protrusion at the waist, which was created by shoulder pad placements, Wang said the look was meant to better frame and sculpt the female shape. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protrusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protrusion
Noun
  • This projection makes its current trailing P/E ratio of 62 appear justifiable, particularly if the company can achieve those targets.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Some estimates put the racing movie’s launch at around $50 million to $60 million, but some projections are softer at $35 million to $40 million.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Violet-blue protuberances are surrounded by what look like thorns but are actually soft, if jagged, flower parts.
    Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
  • By flying drones over a remote stretch of the Canadian Arctic, scientists were able to capture unique footage of narwhals, shedding light on the function of their famed protuberances, according to a study published Feb. 27 in Frontiers in Marine Science.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The pull-on pants are also high-waisted, which will smooth out the stomach area more so than low-rise bottoms or too-tight denim shorts that make your skin bulge.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • Berger’s tiny stage bulges like a clown car, stuffed with superb comedians such as Russell Daniels, playing a prospective son-in-law (and Grade A idiot) who shrieks around sick people, and Sarah Stiles, as a pert soubrette.
    Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Three sections of the roof at Seabrook Brothers & Sons caved in around 1:30 p.m., NJ.com reported.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
  • The chapter’s first section responds to a tendency in Harry Potter studies to interpret the series as if its version of magic portrays a profoundly different and salutary alternative to Muggle technology.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet despite requests from the leaders of Germany and of Poland to be granted shelter under the French and British shields, neither nuclear power has so far formally approved extending its atomic dome.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The objective is to study the composition and origin of the domes and surroundings.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Photo : Adam Potts Photography A deep overhang shaded an alfresco dining area and lounge.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 June 2025
  • Granite also tops a large central island, which features a generous overhang to allow seating for people enjoying a snack or socializing with the chef.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • When the loss function has a convenient mathematical property called convexity, this procedure is guaranteed to find the optimal solution.
    Zachary C. Lipton, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Jan. 2016
  • 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
Noun
  • The Highlands Community Charter Schools’ student population in Sacramento serves a large portion Afghan refugees who do not speak English.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • Other at-risk areas included portions of San Bernardino, Inyo and Cleveland national forests as well as BLM land in the Mojave Desert, such as Coyote Dry Lake Bed outside of Joshua Tree National Park.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protrusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protrusion. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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