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 Power consumption is highest on the brightest setting at the largest screen mode, at around 140 W, but general use on the standard mode or lower, without maximum projection size, is more in the range of 40-80 W. — New Atlas, 29 June 2026 This discrepancy, per the report’s projection, will worsen in the 2026-27 school year when STUNT replaces equestrian as a varsity sport. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 According to International Franchise Association projections, the franchising industry was still expected to experience growth and contribute to job creation in the United States, even in an uncertain economy. — Bob Bernotas, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The data is then turned to a projection on the Castle’s facade through a custom visualization system using a UMAP (Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection) algorithm. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

The National Weather Service said cool air from the north will push the heat dome, responsible for a heat wave that started midweek, south and west in the coming days, relieving some of the most extreme temperatures in the Northeast.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 July 2026
The East Coast is expected to soon feel some relief from the extreme temperatures as the heat dome shrinks, bringing chances of severe thunderstorms.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

As the music builds, entire sections of the crowd rise to their feet, clapping, chanting and dancing together.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
The elevated section of the cabin also features a large rooftop terrace, ideal for enjoying the sun during the day, or sleeping under the stars at night.

— Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026

Definition of section

Noun

An extreme heat warning was in effect through Independence Day weekend across portions of the Midwest, South and Northeast, with New York City‘s Central Park reaching 100 on Thursday, the hottest temperature recorded there since July 18, 2012.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Multiple British media outlets, including the BBC, reported Monday, July 6, that the estranged prince would be staying at Buckingham Palace during the London portion of his visit the the United Kingdom.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

Traditional control surfaces create gaps and protrusions that increase radar cross-section and require constant adjustments in fly-by-wire systems.

— Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
The use of Kevlar came as part of Hatfield finding inspiration from the X-15 fighter jet, still to this day the fastest aircraft ever made, while the polarizing tongue protrusion was a nod to Jordan famously sticking out his own while playing.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 June 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

Refine a portfolio piece, build a small prototype, or share a draft with someone who gives honest notes.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Gomez's wedding guest dress also bore a striking resemblance to her 2025 Oscars dress, a custom off-the-shoulder piece by Ralph Lauren.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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