projection

noun

pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
Synonyms of projectionnext
1
a
: a systematic presentation of intersecting coordinate lines on a flat surface upon which features from a curved surface (as of the earth or the celestial sphere) may be mapped
an equal-area map projection
b
: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object upon a plane or curved surface or a line by projecting its points
also : a graph or figure so formed
2
: a transforming change
3
: the act of throwing or thrusting forward
4
: the forming of a plan : scheming
5
a(1)
: a jutting out
(2)
: a part that juts out
b
: a view of a building or architectural element
6
a
: the act of perceiving a mental object as spatially and sensibly objective
also : something so perceived
b
: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects
especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety
7
: the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon a screen
8
a
: the act of projecting especially to an audience
b
: control of the volume, clarity, and distinctness of a voice to gain greater audibility
9
: an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend
projectional
prə-ˈjek-shnəl How to pronounce projection (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Did you know?

Projection has various meanings, but what they all have in common is that something is sent out or forward. A movie is projected onto a screen; a skilled actress projects her voice out into a large theater without seeming to shout; and something sticking out from a wall can be called a projection. But the meaning we focus on here is the one used by businesses and governments. Most projections of this kind are estimates of a company's sales or profits--or of the finances of a town, state, or country--sometime in the future.

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for projection

projection, protrusion, protuberance, bulge 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

protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

Examples of projection in a Sentence

He gave a projection of future expenses. projections on the rock wall
Recent Examples on the Web Kayla Johnston, a spokeswoman for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, said the organization didn’t have projections about the A’s economic impact. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 4 Apr. 2024 The recent pickup in inflation, though slight, has led some economists to postpone their projections for when the Fed will begin cutting rates. —Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024 Dolby Cinema is praised for its proprietary projection system and sound, along with state-of-the art seating, but is exclusive to AMC in the United States. —Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Apr. 2024 The latest projections forecast that Milwaukee could receive up to two inches of snow now. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024 Jaguar has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events. —Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2024 What do the latest economic projections from Fed officials say about the central bank’s perception of inflation? —Bryan Mena, CNN, 31 Mar. 2024 Previous projections were that total U.S. coal exports for 2024 would grow, but the current interruption in operations at the Baltimore port will likely influence export volumes for the year. —Robert Rapier, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 In the fall of 2013, a staffer named Giles Wilkes, who worked for a senior Liberal Democrat minister in the coalition, became alarmed by projections that showed ever-reducing government budgets. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'projection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of projection was in 1551

Phrases Containing projection

Dictionary Entries Near projection

projectile vomiting

projection

projection booth

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Projection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/projection. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
: a method of showing a curved surface (as the earth) on a flat one (as a map)
2
: the act of throwing or shooting forward
3
: something that sticks out
4
: the act or process of projecting something on a surface (as by motion pictures or slides)
5
: an estimate of what might happen in the future based on what is happening now

Medical Definition

projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion prə-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce projection (audio)
1
a
: the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object or a section of such an object upon a plane or curved surface
b
: a diagram or figure formed by projection
especially : view
2
a
: the act of referring a mental image constructed by the brain from bits of data collected by the sense organs to the actual source of stimulation outside the body
b
: the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects
especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety
3
: the functional correspondence and connection of parts of the cerebral cortex with other parts of the organism
the projection of the retina upon the visual area

More from Merriam-Webster on projection

Nglish: Translation of projection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of projection for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about projection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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