PROTUBERANCE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 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 See All Example Sentences for protuberance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protuberance

Noun

For a more permanent setup, mounting it on the ceiling keeps the projector out of the way and minimizes the risk of people, pets, or objects impeding the projection.

— Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
According to industry projections cited by SK Hynix, the HBM market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 33% between 2025 and 2030.

— Dylan Butts, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2026