PROJECTION Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'projection' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of projection are bulge , protrusion , and protuberance . While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle. // those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Q: When is it sensible to use 'bulge' instead of 'projection'?

The synonyms bulge and projection are sometimes interchangeable, but bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure. // bulges in the tile floor

Q: When is 'protrusion' a more appropriate choice than 'projection'?

The words protrusion and projection can be used in similar contexts, but protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity. // the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Q: Where would 'protuberance' be a reasonable alternative to 'projection'?

The words protuberance and projection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form. // a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

projection

noun

prə-ˈjek-shən

Definition of projection

as in dome

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something filed down all the projections until the surface was smooth

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How is the word projection different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of projection are bulge, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

When is it sensible to use bulge instead of projection?

The synonyms bulge and projection are sometimes interchangeable, but bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is protrusion a more appropriate choice than projection?

The words protrusion and projection can be used in similar contexts, but protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Where would protuberance be a reasonable alternative to projection?

The words protuberance and projection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 projection The figure was later clarified as referring to an 11-month projection involving children at risk of severe malnutrition. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The two have climbed on TSMC’s print Sneaker stocks are under pressure after On Holding AG reported disappointing 2Q sales and cut its annual topline projection. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 The new provision is on Huntersville leaders’ radar too, town spokesman Ethan Smith said, noting that if the provision isn’t changed, the town will have to adjust its sales tax revenue projections in its next budget cycle. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026 Due to its variable rate, calculating long-term interest-earning projections with a high-yield savings account is difficult to do with precision. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

But its centerpiece is the 65-year-old Climatron, a 70-foot-tall geodesic dome that houses 1,400 tropical plant species.

— The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Twenty-seven Rare Handcrafts will be on show in Milan, from dome and desk clocks to pocket and wristwatches.

— Ming Liu, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

The announcement is the latest collaboration between Disney and Webtoon, which has already brought over 20 fan-favorite comics to Webtoon’s vertical-scroll format, available in a dedicated Disney section of the English-language Webtoon app.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Fernandes says the north side of the park is much better than the south side because his team is working section by section to bring change, noting that a safe park is critical to the well-being of the people who live in the area.

— Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

Farrell said a meaningful portion of the advance appeared to have been driven by traders closing bearish positions.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Those provisions give the inspector general new authority to temporarily withhold portions of his reports that reveal security risks, fraud-detection gaps or pending litigation.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

It was chosen because this animal’s femur lacks a crest or raised bony protrusion – known as a trochanter – where part of the tail musculature would attach.

— The Conversation, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
McCoy lives with severe spinal curvature disorder and a chest protrusion caused by a childhood surgery.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of protrusion

Noun

Today, convexity, which can be more expensive, is used earlier and some experts recommend a convexity-first approach after ostomy surgery.

— Diego Schaps, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
The tower flaunts its partnership with the Dime Savings Bank, sending the 1908 landmark’s geometrical exuberance rocketing upward in a play of convexities and concavities, glass and trim, darkness and gleam.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026

Definition of convexity

Noun

As does the Buddha’s Hand, a pulp-less lemon with fragrant, yellowy finger-like protuberances best for zesting, candying, and making infusions for teas, simple syrups, marinades, and libations.

— Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Described as bright green with small protuberances on its back, the frog belongs to the Gastrotheca genus, a group of marsupial frogs found in Central and South America.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of protuberance

Noun

Finding the balance between preserving clubhouse culture and throwing future pieces into the fire remains complicated, even as the team dropped to 60-65 following Saturday’s 5-4 walk-off loss to the New York Mets.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Whatever the approach, let the 30 gingham decor pieces below inspire your next home refresh.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of piece

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projecting

projection

projections

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“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/projection. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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