1
as in projections
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
2
as in edges
the more favorable condition or position in a competition
she got the bulge on him in the race for the statehouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in protrudes
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the sides of the returning camper's suitcase bulged with a month's worth of dirty laundry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bulges
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
Artificially enlarging their crotch area, either by injecting their genitals with engorging chemicals or stuffing their underwear to create bigger bulges, allows the athletes to alter their suit measurements.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, sidewall bulges or blisters and dents in wheel rims.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The study found that flu viruses need bigger bulges on the cell’s surface to get inside.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
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
Air bubbles, cracks and bulges in a tire's sidewall could all warrant a tire change.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Originally designed for line-of-battle engagements, Fusō underwent major refits in the 1930s, gaining improved armor, torpedo bulges, and a speed of roughly 24 knots.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
As the Earth rotates, these bulges move around and keep pointing at the Moon because of its gravitational pull.
—Stephen Dikerby, The Conversation, 15 Sep. 2025
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
Some online commenters in areas where it has been deployed also say the system struggles to properly level surfaces after holes are filled, which can lead to speed bump–like bulges.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
Artificially enlarging their crotch area, either by injecting their genitals with engorging chemicals or stuffing their underwear to create bigger bulges, allows the athletes to alter their suit measurements.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, sidewall bulges or blisters and dents in wheel rims.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The study found that flu viruses need bigger bulges on the cell’s surface to get inside.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
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
Air bubbles, cracks and bulges in a tire's sidewall could all warrant a tire change.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Originally designed for line-of-battle engagements, Fusō underwent major refits in the 1930s, gaining improved armor, torpedo bulges, and a speed of roughly 24 knots.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
As the Earth rotates, these bulges move around and keep pointing at the Moon because of its gravitational pull.
—Stephen Dikerby, The Conversation, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a brain aneurysm is a weakened area in an artery that bulges outward and fills with blood.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulges
Noun
-
The 1996 ad painted a dramatic picture to sell retirement planning, and while some of its projections came surprisingly close, the reality is more nuanced.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
But federal budget projections also show the program shrinking as the new work rules kick in, suggesting feeding fewer people is a feature of HR1.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There are soft edges and hard edges, formal spaces that don’t thwart spontaneity, casual spaces that can be used for more serious business.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
When looking at the largest metro areas, the fastest growing counties tended to be on the outer edges.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The lone camera is a single round lens that protrudes from the upper-left corner of the rear panel.—
Eric Zeman,
PC Magazine,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The other two types are subserosal (which protrudes on the outside of the uterus) and intramural (which grow within the muscle layer).—
Beth Krietsch,
SELF,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The 60-year immigration bubble finally bursts.—
,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Once a cushioned conduit to the other side, the casket now bursts with the wisdom of a life lived outside the box.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The 10a’s completely flat back is a rarity among smartphones, most of which have substantial protrusions that house their camera optics, causing those devices to wobble when placed on a table.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Although plants are sometimes selected and bred for darker foliage solely for ornamental purposes, there are distinct physiological advantages to plants that have it.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Despite their advantages, these systems raise important concerns.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In April, ruby-red paintbrush pokes out of the ground, and in late summer, vibrant yellow rabbitbrush flowers join the mix.—
Madison Chapman,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The nurturing Moon pokes Mars today, drawing attention to your 2nd House of Objects and your 11th House of Groups.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Amid the population boom, Folsom buzzes with a new vibrancy, as its historic Gold Rush-era downtown is thriving and its surrounding lakes and trails offer plenty of outdoor recreation — and the secret’s getting out.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
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As the pensive Moon wanders into your vocal 3rd house, your mind buzzes with activity.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bulges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulges. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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