1
as in swollen
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in bursting
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in protruding
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
2
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bulging
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2021
Indian streamer ALTBalaji has revealed a focus on the burgeoning Indian youth market and a bulging slate.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2021
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Penn’s curdled facial expressions, sever buzzcut and bulging biceps morphed him into a cruel lethal weapon, but that performance — like Taylor’s — stayed stuck in the same groove throughout.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bulging
Adjective
And the big, bulging, muscles that let Hulk SMASH so effectively aren't the same as carrying a lot of excess fat.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2021
Indian streamer ALTBalaji has revealed a focus on the burgeoning Indian youth market and a bulging slate.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2021
Verb
The Tar Heel pipeline isn’t exactly bulging with the kind of coach the UNC job could attract.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Penn’s curdled facial expressions, sever buzzcut and bulging biceps morphed him into a cruel lethal weapon, but that performance — like Taylor’s — stayed stuck in the same groove throughout.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bulging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulging
Adjective
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Nolan developed esophageal varices, which are swollen veins in the esophagus that can burst and bleed.—
Camila Gomez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
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Plant them alongside companion plants like potatoes, peppers, beans, or peas, but avoid garlic, onions, and other cruciferous plants that may increase the risk of both plants suffering from a fungal disease that causes swollen roots and eventual death.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The center point is perhaps what looks like a gigantic mountain with two 'spikes' protruding from its peak, like the antennae on an insect.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2026
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Her right hand gripped the scissors with the round finger holes embedded in her palm and the pointed end protruding from her fist.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Following a brutal winter season, Martha's Bedford farm is now bursting with colorful blooms.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
28 Apr. 2026
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As April comes to a close, Amazon’s outlet is bursting with even more exciting deals than usual.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Whereas Vaslav’s unorthodox looks infatuated many people, hers (protuberant teeth and lips, stocky body, flat chest, powerful thighs) alienated many.—
Alastair Macaulay,
The New York Review of Books,
29 Dec. 2022
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And the rear of the case is deeper to accommodate a protuberant rear camera—hinting that the next iPad will see a big camera upgrade.—
David Phelan,
Forbes,
9 Oct. 2022
Adjective
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Exhausting, exhilarating softball in which to spend my body’s force—that in the morning—then in the afternoon, the brimming, hearty stew of family life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Martha Stewart, however—perhaps the least likely superstar to do so—is poking holes in that fantasy, giving us an iconic new selfie that feels wildly relatable to anyone familiar with the mayhem of getting ready.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2026
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Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Residents could flip on the TV to see who was downstairs before buzzing them in.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Most homeowners are surprised to learn the buzzing nuisance ruining their evenings probably started life just steps from the back door.—
Ryan Brennan
April 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Mutations in genes encoding cardiac myosin, for instance, can lead to cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic and dilated forms, which affect the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
3 Apr. 2026
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Symptoms can include abdominal pain or discomfort, blurred or double vision, dilated pupils, dizziness, drooping eyelid, dry or sore throat, facial muscle paralysis, nausea or vomiting, swollen belly, and trouble swallowing and speaking.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bulging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulging. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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