Synonyms of protuberance

protuberance

noun

prō-ˈtü-b(ə-)rən(t)s 

as in projection

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something

the tree trunk had several mossy protuberances where branches had once grown

Synonyms & Similar Words

• projection
• protrusion
• bulge
• section
• dome
• convexity
• swell
• overhang
• portion
• piece
• expansion
• knob
• jut
• knot
• swelling
• block
• bunch
• mound
• lump
• dilatation
• bump
• hill
• hump
• puff
• enlargement
• snag
• nub
• blob
• increase
• escalation
• knurl
• obtrusion
• gibbosity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cavity
• depression
• pit
• recess
• hole
• hollow
• indentation
• dent
• valley
• basin
• crater
• concavity
• concave
• well
• bowl
• indenture
• dip
• groove
• dint
• impression
• indent
• pocket
• trench
• furrow
• trough
• notch
• dimple
• gouge

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of protuberance are bulge, projection, and protrusion. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

When is bulge a more appropriate choice than protuberance?

The synonyms bulge and protuberance are sometimes interchangeable, but bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When could projection be used to replace protuberance?

In some situations, the words projection and protuberance are roughly equivalent. However, projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

In what contexts can protrusion take the place of protuberance?

The words protrusion and protuberance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of protuberance

Whether those protuberances make it onto the production vehicle, the latest of which was just shown at the annual CES tech show in Las Vegas, remains to be seen (and hopefully won’t be seen). —William Roberson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

There are many different types of foam rollers, but the two main models are: the shorter style with protuberances which is used purely for working on circulation or muscle recovery, and the longer one made of smooth foam without protuberances, used for toning. —Enrica Petraglia, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024

Tiny projections stick out from the stalk, and the crooked tip has structures called a conical protuberance, a globular head and a rugged flap. —Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024

These extreme eruptions on the sun, if large enough, may be visible as tiny pink protuberances peaking around the edge of the moon. —Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024