Synonyms for

Bulge

Verb / bʌldʒ / Another word for bulge — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To swell or protrude outwards.

Synonyms & similar words

excrescence bump gibbousness bag start protrude jut swelling bulgeout extrusion bulk bugout popout comeout hump pop pouch protrusion gibbosity prominence protuberance protrude swell expand jut bloat distend inflate enlarge project extend bugle pout belly rise thrust

Synonyms by register

Formal

protrude swell extend project

Informal

stick out pop out poke out jut out

Literary

protuberance swelling prominence

Antonyms

flatten shrink contract deflate recede indent

Common collocations

  • bulge in the pocket
  • bulge outwards
  • bulge slightly
  • bulge with pride
  • a noticeable bulge
  • bulge of muscle

Word family

noun bulge
verb bulge

Usage note

As a verb, 'bulge' often implies an unnatural or excessive outward curve. It can be used for both physical objects and abstract concepts like pride.

Example sentences

  1. The backpack was so full it began to bulge at the seams.
  2. The frog's eyes bulged out of its head.
  3. The pregnant woman's belly began to bulge as the baby grew.
  4. The balloon bulged with air.
  5. The tumor caused his stomach to bulge outwards.

Quotes

  • The water bulged ahead of the ship like a fleece of silver.
  • The sun was a huge reddish bulge in the sky.
  • The pillows on the couch bulged out like overstuffed sausages.

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