bulge 1 of 2

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bulge

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verb

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as in to burst
to be copiously supplied this guidebook to San Francisco positively bulges with useful information

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of bulge are projection, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is projection a more appropriate choice than bulge?

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

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Where would protrusion be a reasonable alternative to bulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulge, protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

When would protuberance be a good substitute for bulge?

The meanings of protuberance and bulge largely overlap; however, 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 bulge
Noun
But, if the valves weaken or become damaged, blood can pool around them, and the veins bulge. Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025 Without competitive businesses, the 15 million jobs needed annually for Africa’s youth bulge won’t materialize. Emeka Ajene, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
Both Pattinson and Lawrence are full-throttle acting in the scene — eyes bulging, hands waving. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025 Coiling is a procedure used to block blood flow to the aneurysm, which is a weakened or bulging artery wall, John Hopkins Medicine explains. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • 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, Quanta Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez was dead against the idea, with his club arguing that breaking the traditional home and away format adulterated the competition, while also expressing concern over participating teams gaining a financial advantage.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Spider-y lash extensions protruded from her lash line, reaching to the bottom of her brows; a thin wing of black liner was drawn from the outer corners of her eyes.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The protruding bracket behind the air guide appears to be a cable guide, and the box behind the cable guide is a three-drive cage.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Messi picked up the ball from his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul in midfield and burst toward the backpedaling Nashville back line before slipping the ball outside to Luis Suárez.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The areas facing the sun heat up fastest, and if there is a weaker area on the surface of the comet, sublimated gases under the surface can burst through — causing these sun-facing jets.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With projections of more than 100,000 new spacecraft being launched by 2030, compared to roughly 10,000 in orbit today, agencies have been developing ways to limit debris growth, improve decommissioning protocols, and enhance protective design features.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Some Republicans dismiss projections that ACA premiums will more than double without the subsidies, calling them exaggerated and arguing the law has fueled fraud and abuse that must be curbed.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the deciding third round, Jandiroba had the edge early on the feet but allowed Dern to land some harder shots late.
    Brett Appley, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • KAConsulting shows a three-point lead (47–44), Quantus Insights finds a two-point edge (48–46), and Trafalgar Group/Insider Advantage reports just a one-point gap (45–44).
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tom Aspinall’s heavyweight title defense at UFC 321 ended in chaos after Ciryl Gane accidentally poked him in both eyes late in the first round.
    Antonio Losada, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Or use your finger, poking it about 2 inches into the soil.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Days before, the city was buzzing with intense preparations and great anticipation.
    Laura Gómez, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Among A-list sightings that had the whole crowd buzzing was Hailey Bieber and Miley Cyrus, who sat beside each other in matching leather looks.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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