as in crowded
formal
having a large population
a populous seaport the most populous state in the U.S.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of populous
There are a total of 13 district judgeships in the 4th Judicial District, most of which handle criminal and civil cases in Ada County, the state’s most populous area.
—
Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent.
—Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
Currently, however, the governing body has no World Cup broadcast contract with China or India — meaning that with a month to go until the 2026 tournament begins, the two most populous nations on earth might not be able to watch any games.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Despite the pandemic, Africa’s most populous country produced 2,599 films in 2020, according to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics.
—Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent.
—Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
Currently, however, the governing body has no World Cup broadcast contract with China or India — meaning that with a month to go until the 2026 tournament begins, the two most populous nations on earth might not be able to watch any games.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Despite the pandemic, Africa’s most populous country produced 2,599 films in 2020, according to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics.
—Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
-
Hilton and Becerra have been neck and neck in recent June primary polls, often leading a crowded field of gubernatorial candidates.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Curated by Our Editors In the latter outbreak, a person who was likely infected by a rodent and had fever symptoms attended a crowded birthday party with around 100 other people for 90 minutes.—
Tanya Lewis,
Scientific American,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Too, vibrant luggage tags can help identify which bags are yours at TSA.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
Naggoo Printed Split Maxi Dress with Pockets With a stretchy wrinkle-free fabric, vibrant print, chic side slit, and two side pockets, this summery dress checks every box for style and comfort.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
