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
Though Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says Minnesota's most populous county is ready for the new law come August.
—
Ashley Grams, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Multiple buildings collapsed in General Santos City, a major port on the populous island of Mindanao, and the quake also triggered deadly landslides and a 3-foot tsunami that hit neighboring islands’ coasts.
—Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 9 June 2026
Those will creep north into Canada, and by Wednesday storms will inch toward populous cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 9 June 2026
The winner in November will lead the country's most populous state, facing a large deficit and other obstacles, including the state's high cost of living, homelessness and wildfire risk.
—Marisa Lagos, NPR, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Ashley Grams, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Multiple buildings collapsed in General Santos City, a major port on the populous island of Mindanao, and the quake also triggered deadly landslides and a 3-foot tsunami that hit neighboring islands’ coasts.
—Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 9 June 2026
Those will creep north into Canada, and by Wednesday storms will inch toward populous cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 9 June 2026
The winner in November will lead the country's most populous state, facing a large deficit and other obstacles, including the state's high cost of living, homelessness and wildfire risk.
—Marisa Lagos, NPR, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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The supporting drama categories remain the most crowded acting races, but still shows the long-term decline, which is staggering.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Fitzpatrick has pointed to the saloon’s string of viral controversies as a calling card in the crowded race.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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To be able to impact the lives of our officers and residents and the visitors of Miami, to be responsible for the safety of one of the most vibrant major cities in the world, what an honor.—
Peter D'Oench,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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Following the formal ceremonies, the gathering transitioned into a vibrant cultural celebration.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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