BULGE Synonyms: 189 Similar and Opposite Words

bulge 1 of 2

noun

as in protrusion

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something several bulges in the old vinyl flooring in the dingy bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in advantage

the more favorable condition or position in a competition she got the bulge on him in the race for the statehouse

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bulge

2 of 2

verb

ˈbəlj

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point the sides of the returning camper's suitcase bulged with a month's worth of dirty laundry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to burst

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

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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

There are wide back straps that smooth out any bulges, and the cups provide great separation, which is uncommon with many wireless styles. —

Gabriela Garcia, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 Besides studying dark matter and dark energy, one of Roman's core surveys will be the Galactic Bulge Time-Domain Survey, in which millions of stars in the central bulge of the Milky Way galaxy will be studied, principally to look for exoplanets. —

Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Nov. 2025

Verb

The shop is packed with books, with shelves bulging from floor to ceiling. —

Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025 The condition is typically diagnosed before the age of 3, with common symptoms including misaligned eyes, pain, bulging eyes, infection, and the pupil appearing white (leukocoria). —

Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 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
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, with integrated antennas that keep the chassis free of external protrusions.

— PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2025