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

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

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