as in crowded
formal
having a large population
a populous seaport the most populous state in the U.S.
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Recent Examples of populous
California’s marquee contest in the 2026 primary doesn’t have the star power of many previous governor’s races in America’s most populous state.
—
Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
Unlike recent contests to lead the nation’s most populous state, this year’s gubernatorial contest failed to energize the electorate.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Some 50 million people, out of a population of 130 million Ethiopians, are expected to vote for members of the House of Representatives, but insecurity in the most populous regions, including Amhara and Oromia, is expected to affect turnout.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Today, Ethiopia — Africa’s second most populous nation with over 135 million people — stands deeply divided, facing violent ethnic conflicts, restrictions on free speech and crackdowns on dissent.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
Unlike recent contests to lead the nation’s most populous state, this year’s gubernatorial contest failed to energize the electorate.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Some 50 million people, out of a population of 130 million Ethiopians, are expected to vote for members of the House of Representatives, but insecurity in the most populous regions, including Amhara and Oromia, is expected to affect turnout.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Today, Ethiopia — Africa’s second most populous nation with over 135 million people — stands deeply divided, facing violent ethnic conflicts, restrictions on free speech and crackdowns on dissent.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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This means that even in crowded situations, foliage can capture light, including shady locations where sunlight is at a premium.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
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From ancient pilgrim paths in southern Italy to lava fields in Iceland, these routes reward walkers with quieter trails, stronger ties to local communities and landscapes that feel earned rather than crowded.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Deals include a classic Adirondack chair for 80 percent off and vibrant geometric area rug that brings life to your space for $30.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
6 June 2026
-
Spend a night out at the speakeasy inside 202 Social House, a vibrant downtown hub with craft cocktails.—
Julekha Dash,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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