Synonyms of populate

populate

verb

ˈpä-pyə-ˌlāt 

as in to inhabit

to supply with inhabitants

a small island populated only by woodland creatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inhabit
• people
• colonize
• settle
• move (to)
• relocate (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• depopulate
• unpeople

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of populate

And the nearly three-hour adventure epic did not disappoint, transporting viewers armed with Jiffy Pop to a wartorn ancient world populated by heroes, gods, and monsters for two thrilling nights. — Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 24 July 2026

Once the debris cleared, this team determined that the system contained a helium star, one of only a few thousand of these stripped stellar bodies to be discovered among the billions of stars that populate the Milky Way. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 July 2026

This reflects China’s decades of investment in math education, which has led to a fresh crop of talented young mathematicians populating the top universities. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 23 July 2026

Propelled by name recognition, online reviews and pricing, Lynda Sandwich has outlasted many others in Westminster’s hypercompetitive banh mi market, where as many as 10 sandwich shops populate a two-block stretch of Bolsa Avenue. — Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026