"Pooch out" is a phrase that describes when something bulges or protrudes in a rounded or curved shape. There are several synonyms that can be used in place of "pooch out", including "bulge", "protrude", "swell", "distend", and "inflate". These words all describe a similar type of physical outward expansion, but each has its own unique connotations and applications. "Bulge" is perhaps the most straightforward synonym for "pooch out", and is commonly used to describe a swelling or protrusion in a surface or object. "Protrude" has a more specific connotation of something sticking out from a flat or concave surface. "Swell" and "distend" suggest an internal pressure causing the outward expansion, while "inflate" connotes a deliberate or controlled expansion, often with air or gas.