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
For every glass of water or a shower taken in Gauteng, South Africa's most populous province that includes Johannesburg, there is a 60% chance the water came from its small neighbor, the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
—
ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Several moderately populous metropolitan areas are located inside the risk area, including Albuquerque, Denver and El Paso, in addition to Amarillo, Texas, and South Dakota's capital, Pierre.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
But as the air grows dirtier in many of the nation’s most populous areas, one city stands out for all the right reasons.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
The gerrymandering in the nation’s two most populous states led officials in other states to also redraw House districts to try to gain their parties an edge.
—David A. Lieb, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Several moderately populous metropolitan areas are located inside the risk area, including Albuquerque, Denver and El Paso, in addition to Amarillo, Texas, and South Dakota's capital, Pierre.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
But as the air grows dirtier in many of the nation’s most populous areas, one city stands out for all the right reasons.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
The gerrymandering in the nation’s two most populous states led officials in other states to also redraw House districts to try to gain their parties an edge.
—David A. Lieb, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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Set the scene In these days of over-tourism in Florence, there is an increasingly compelling case to be made for choosing a base somewhat removed from the crowded centro storico, especially during the torrid summer months.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Analysts believe if barriers to entry come down and competition increases among videogame makers, so will the battle for eyeballs in a more crowded field.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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After some 53 years, Antigone remains a no-frills stronghold where community organizers trade flyers near the entrance, and the inventory captures the perspectives of life in a vibrant border city.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
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With the collection intertwined with the world of racing since its debut in 1986, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch has become a symbol of performance while simultaneously showcasing its distinct design, vibrant hues and innovative technology.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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