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
New image processing techniques revealed the galaxy's bright central bulge and the vast, dusty disk that encircles it in unprecedented detail. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025 However, that auroral oval can bulge, with displays seen as low as 25 degrees north and south of the equator. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
The $499 Pixel 9a is a refreshing take on modern smartphones, thanks to its clean rear design and lack of a bulging camera module – similar to Apple’s iPhone 16e. Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 Photos on news sites and social media show furniture, mattresses and car bumpers illegally dumped alongside bulging trash bags. Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge
Noun
  • 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, 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
Noun
  • Coker and Moore have the advantage in roles department, while Chisena has the advantage with special teams.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
  • The Mavericks won the flip, earning the 0.1% advantage that incredibly resulted in their propulsion to the top of the order for the June 25 draft in New York.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • But in May 2023, while out for a run, the New Hampshire native noticed something strange: a large bump protruding from her abdomen.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • The actor shared memories of the time his balls unwittingly protruded out of his boxer briefs during an off-Broadway production, on the latest episode of the SmartLess podcast.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sleight of Hand is a powerful, intense rye whiskey bursting with bold flavors reflecting Texas whiskey's power.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Summer isn’t officially here yet, but Amazon is already bursting with airy dresses for under $50.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The most recent population projection by the Florida Bureau of Economic Research estimates that Florida’s population will increase from approximately 22.6 million in 2023 to between roughly 24.7 and 31.4 million in 2050, a 9.3 to 38.8% increase.
    Bob Maliva, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • This Broncos draft class is perhaps particularly interesting in that department, given the projection involved with Harvey, first-round pick Jahdae Barron’s versatility, and the light collegiate snap counts for OLB Que Robinson and TE Caleb Lohner.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • The Indian army said in a statement late on Friday that drones were sighted in 26 locations across a wide area of India's west and northwest from Kashmir and states bordering Pakistan to the edge of the Arabian Sea.
    USA Today, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Toll-takers on the Venetian Causeway were in their booths as the tornado swept through just yards away, tearing into trees at a small public park at water’s edge.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • During that same April 5 episode, Weekend Update’s Colin Jost poked fun at the singer in a bit about the economy.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 May 2025
  • The contest did not last long as Edwards poked Muhammad in the eye 18 seconds into the second round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The implication that Kanan himself could have killed his own mother has people buzzing.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
  • Myth: Exposure to cicada noise will cause hearing loss As the second-largest periodical cicada, Brood XIV can make a lot of noise when the male cicadas attempt to attract mates with their buzzing sounds.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulge. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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