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as in democratic
of, relating to, or favoring political democracy a truly popular revolution, not one that replaced one dictatorship with another

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in affordable
being within the financial means of most people from their inception, DVDs were designed to be sold directly to consumers at popular prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective popular contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of popular are common, familiar, ordinary, plain, and vulgar. While all these words mean "generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual," popular applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups.

a writer of popular romances

When is it sensible to use common instead of popular?

While the synonyms common and popular are close in meaning, common implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness.

a common error
lacked common honesty
common manners

When would familiar be a good substitute for popular?

In some situations, the words familiar and popular are roughly equivalent. However, familiar stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized.

a familiar melody

When might ordinary be a better fit than popular?

While in some cases nearly identical to popular, ordinary stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things.

an ordinary pleasant summer day
a very ordinary sort of man

In what contexts can plain take the place of popular?

The words plain and popular can be used in similar contexts, but plain is likely to suggest homely simplicity.

plain hard-working people

How are the words vulgar and popular related?

Vulgar, otherwise similar to popular, is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness).

souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste

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 popular Initially popular during the Art Deco era, this type of seating was back in fashion in the 1950s (when designer Vladimir Kagan introduced his Serpentine Sofa). Dina Cheney, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 Mamdani’s success comes in part due to endorsements by popular progressive candidates, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Solcyré Burga, Time, 25 June 2025 Kyoto is the world’s most popular religious tourism destination, a new study says. Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Known as a popular stop on the film festival circuit for many stars, Karlovy Vary had previously already unveiled a visit from Michael Douglas this year. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for popular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for popular
Adjective
  • The couple was spotted attending the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on June 27 and wore a pair of fashionable ensembles for the event.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • These high-waist yoga leggings with contrast trim feature a contrast trim for a fashionable touch.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • And then there were the potential ills of a conventional approach, like fumes spewed by laminate flooring.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Intended to provide France and Europe with full sovereign access to space, VORTEX is designed to lift off atop a rocket without a fairing, have full orbital and atmospheric maneuverability, and land on a conventional runway.
    David Szondy June 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Both the head coach and general manager have two years remaining on their contracts with the Packers.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Bosa consultant Schmidt Design Group will then come up with the park’s design, and a general development plan is expected to go before San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Board in the fall.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Frustrated Democratic lawmakers call out party's 'division' amid DNC turmoil.
    , FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
  • The Queens assemblyman is a democratic socialist who has consistently polled as the runner-up candidate to Cuomo, the favorite to win Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • According to Adams, 500,000 new jobs have been created and affordable housing has been expanded by turning unused buildings into homes.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 26 June 2025
  • By clearly showing customers how their deposits fund beneficial projects like affordable housing and renewable energy, banks demonstrate that money can create positive change.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • These Golden Hour Savings deals bring these loafers’ price tag down to as low as $52, which is much cheaper than most leather (or vegan leather) loafers.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 26 June 2025
  • However, thimerosal is more common elsewhere in the world for various multi-dose vaccine vials, which are cheaper than the single-dose vials more commonly used in the US.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • My favorite layering combo so far has been with Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 June 2025
  • Memorize the names of the colors of the rainbow with the help of a popsicle, JJ's favorite summer treat.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is an excellent day for business and commercial ventures, because your objectives and goals are clearer to you than usual.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
  • Lawmakers’ home addresses have already been removed from the Minnesota Legislature’s website, and the Capitol saw a larger security presence than usual this week.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Popular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/popular. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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