bulge

A rounded part that sticks out from a surface.

• There is a bulge in my pocket.
• She noticed a strange bulge under the carpet.
• The mechanic checked the tire for bulges.

How to use it: a bulge in/on something (There was a bulge in the wall.)

Similar words: swelling, bump, protrusion

Common phrases: bulge in something, bulge under something, a slight bulge

To stick out from the surrounding surface in a rounded shape.

• His eyes seemed to bulge.
• Large roots bulged from the ground.
• The muscles in her arms bulge when she lifts weights.

How to use it: bulge out/from something (Tree roots bulge out from the ground.)

Similar words: protrude, stick out

Common phrases: bulge out, bulge from something

To swell outward because something inside pushes against the surface.

• The bag began to bulge.
• Her pockets bulged with sweets.
• The box was bulging because we had packed too much inside.

How to use it: bulge with something (His pockets bulged with coins.); bulge at something (The suitcase was bulging at the sides.)

Similar words: swell, balloon

Common phrases: bulge with something, bulge at something, bulge outward