Definition of megalopolisnext
as in metropolis
a thickly settled, highly populated area what was once a series of discrete towns interspersed with countryside is now one vast megalopolis

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of megalopolis While strolling the exhibits, García explains the roots of one of the largest megalopolises on earth and how its evolution lends to the symbology and tradition of the festival. Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2023 In the post-Soviet period, both cities had evolved into European megalopolises. Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 19 June 2023 Protecting downtown and the city’s infrastructure from floods, the channel made possible the emergence of Los Angeles as a great, global megalopolis of booming businesses and single-family houses with green lawns and swimming pools. Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2022 California is a modern megalopolis of a state with all the same problems and promises as any other. Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for megalopolis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for megalopolis
Noun
  • The fighting has grounded regional air traffic, threatened desalination facilities that provide drinking water to millions and undermined the safe reputation of modern metropolises such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE are, for all practical purposes, completely dependent on the desalination plants, particularly for metropolises such as Dubai.
    Javier Blas, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But the coastal city becomes even more charming in spring, if that’s even possible, thanks to the proliferation of purple wisteria, magenta azaleas, and window boxes that spill over with colorful blooms.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Mojtaba was born in 1969 in the holy Shi'ite city of Mashhad and grew up as his father was helping lead the opposition to the Shah.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And to Smith, there’s no use in Charlotte getting ahead of itself — particularly with Lionel Messi coming to town next week.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Begin in Illinois, where the small town of Atlanta is home to the American Giants Museum, which opened in 2024.
    Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Megalopolis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/megalopolis. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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