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 move comes on the heels of the rapidly expanding program receiving $270 million in the state budget — setting it up to potentially help tens of thousands more infants in the next few years — and further grows Rx Kids to several communities of high need in Michigan's most populous county.
—
Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, was struck by a major militant attack in 2002 when al-Qaida staged bombings on the resort island of Bali that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists.
—NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Ultimate donation California, the most populous state, has one of the nation’s lowest organ donor registration percentages.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation and has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, was struck by a major militant attack in 2002 when al-Qaida staged bombings on the resort island of Bali that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists.
—NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Ultimate donation California, the most populous state, has one of the nation’s lowest organ donor registration percentages.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation and has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces also can reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections or spreading your illness to others.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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With wintry weather and crowded airports, Thanksgiving travel can already be stressful.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Here, vibrant colors combine to complete a mosaic of flowers and trees that extends far into the distance.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
12 Nov. 2025
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The silky maxidress was wholly evocative of the holiday season, with a vibrant color that referenced popular shades of green and red often associated with the Christmas holiday.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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