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
The government has even directed pollution control boards to allow the use of fuels such as kerosene, biomass, and coal by the hospitality sector, as the world’s most populous country prioritizes LPG supply to households.
—
Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Africa's most populous country has long struggled to contain the jihadi violence in its northeast.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
Pembroke Pines Commissioners Tom Good and Mike Hernandez won reelection Tuesday despite a challenge from rivals eager to represent Broward County’s second most populous city.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
The world’s two most populous nations absorbed millions of barrels per day, at steep discounts.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Africa's most populous country has long struggled to contain the jihadi violence in its northeast.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
Pembroke Pines Commissioners Tom Good and Mike Hernandez won reelection Tuesday despite a challenge from rivals eager to represent Broward County’s second most populous city.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
The world’s two most populous nations absorbed millions of barrels per day, at steep discounts.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
-
The couple, who had been married for 50 years, didn’t know a gunman would take them hostage while trying evade police after a shootout in the crowded neighborhood park.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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Despite the crowded group, Hetherman said Dunnigan will have a chance to compete for playing time.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Panthers' stingy defense hung in against the Big East champions' vibrant offense, but Ejiofor and the Johnnies have resembled a national title contender since shortly after the calendar flipped to 2026.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
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That image of the siblings together, sharing a dance among palm trees and vibrant colors, was visual confirmation that the continuity of Princess Caroline's legacy was assured.—
Diego Parrado,
Vanity Fair,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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