Populace is usually used to refer to all the people of a country. Thus, we're often told that an educated and informed populace is essential for a healthy American democracy. Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous radio "Fireside Chats" informed and reassured the American populace in the 1930s as we struggled through the Great Depression. We often hear about what "the general populace" is thinking or doing, but generalizing about something so huge can be tricky.
The populace has suffered greatly.
high officials awkwardly mingling with the general populace
Recent Examples on the WebOtherwise, the thinking goes, unauthorized migrants will abscond and vanish among the American populace.—Ana Raquel Minian, TIME, 30 May 2024 More and more, the rising number of Germans — nearly a quarter of the populace — and Irish and Russian Jews lent an air of Northern diligence.—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2024 Much of the populace supported the Union, but rural areas and towns like Independence and Westport saw increasing Confederate support.—Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2024 Waldeck-Rousseau was able to forge a compromise because political leaders were willing to put aside differences for the greater good and prod the populace to do the same.—Maurice Samuels / Made By History, TIME, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for populace
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'populace.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle French, from Italian popolaccio rabble, augmentative of popolo the people, from Latin populus
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