Synonyms of populace

populace

noun

ˈpä-pyə-ləs 

as in people

the body of the community as contrasted with the elite

high officials awkwardly mingling with the general populace

Synonyms & Similar Words

• people
• public
• crowd
• mob
• commoners
• mass
• millions
• commons
• plebs
• plebeians
• multitude
• herd
• cattle
• rabble
• rank and file
• proletariat
• unwashed
• riffraff
• hoi polloi
• bourgeoisie
• rout
• scum
• middle class
• trash
• rabblement
• ragtag and bobtail
• tag, rag, and bobtail

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• elite
• aristocracy
• elect
• cream
• choice
• pride
• flower
• society
• fat
• upper crust
• pink
• pick
• A-list
• best
• nobility
• quality
• gentry
• royalty
• patriciate
• gentlefolk
• corps d'elite
• peerage
• gentility
• haute monde

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of populace

The sign was welcomed by a populace seeking reassurance as fierce arguments over slavery strained the bonds of union. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2026

There are many reasons for that, Johnson says, citing the introduction of the 24-hour news cycle, smartphones, social media and an increasingly online populace. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026

The populace can only deduce that either Putin is responsible or the elites around him are insulating him from realizing and rectifying the situation. — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Kyiv has focused many of its attacks on refineries and storage facilities supplying gas to Moscow’s residents, likely looking to impose as big of a cost on Russia’s most influential and well-off populace. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026