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 South Africa has proposed a new fiscal law in an attempt to shield its public finances from future populist governments as the treasury’s current projections show debt is set to decline for the first time in nearly two decades. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Demand and inventory models built on that data outperform manual projections by more than 40 percent. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 These measurements will help establish how the aircraft might perform in real logistics operations, rather than relying solely on design projections. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026 The projection is in line with those from other consulting firms and industry groups. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for projection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for projection

Noun

As that enormous dome thinned through the Holocene, its margin withdrew up onto Baffin Island, and what’s left today is the deflated core of something that was once two miles thick.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
This arrangement could provide a larger antenna aperture without requiring a prominent external radar dome, the South China Morning Post reported.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of dome

Noun

The frack happening beneath us was about half as deep as Mount Everest is high, in a section of oil-rich rock that used to be considered out of reach; other innovations allow for simultaneous fracks, minimizing downtime.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Muchnick said his seats, in section 144, jumped from $3430 this season to $3795 next season.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

Shifts among Latino voters, who represent sizable portions of the electorate in both states, and Trump’s sagging approval rating appear to be driving Democrats’ strength in redder areas.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Under these pressures, a portion of cost increases has already transmitted to consumers through fare adjustments.

— , CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of portion

Noun

Moments later, Jay is trapped inside, surrounded by gooey protrusions of undulating flesh.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Despite their pointy protrusions, the sculptures are not spiky enough to leave a mark; and despite their flirtations with touchy subject matter, none of the works—not even the 9/11 ones—are vulgar enough to get Wolfson in hot water.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 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

Broad windows, strategic skylights, and deep overhangs optimize vistas and weather exposure, keeping interiors light and warm.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
The overhang of when that’s going to occur — whether that’s a year, two years, three years — is always going to be there.

— Nilay Patel, The Verge, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of overhang

Noun

My prior piece, The Trillion-Dollar Trade Wall Street Isn’t Seeing, argued that every adoption curve is getting shorter than the last.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Last night, surrounded by family, Kardashian celebrated her 46th at Tuscan steakhouse Baldi at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in two pieces of vintage couture, designed by Paco Rabanne himself.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 22 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of projection

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