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
New Mexico’s second-most-populous county, Doña Ana, added dental care for seniors and behavioral health benefits after many of its poorest residents qualified for Medicaid.
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Kff Health News, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The country’s biggest tech company, Nvidia, which is based in the Bay Area, was reported to have a market valuation of $5 trillion in October 2025 — far exceeding the GDP of India, the world’s most populous nation.
—Saumya Roy, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
The normally quiet Deerfield Beach is only the 10th most populous city in Broward, but this still is a big deal for a number of reasons.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Such attacks are common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, where dozens of rogue gangs seeking control often target remote communities with limited security and government presence.
—CNN Money, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Kff Health News, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The country’s biggest tech company, Nvidia, which is based in the Bay Area, was reported to have a market valuation of $5 trillion in October 2025 — far exceeding the GDP of India, the world’s most populous nation.
—Saumya Roy, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
The normally quiet Deerfield Beach is only the 10th most populous city in Broward, but this still is a big deal for a number of reasons.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Such attacks are common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, where dozens of rogue gangs seeking control often target remote communities with limited security and government presence.
—CNN Money, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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Standouts include the Travelon Anti-theft Classic Backpack at 40 percent off—great for crowded airports and city exploring—and the Samsonite UpLIFT Large Checked Hardside Luggage, which is currently $100 off.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
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The mother was accused of shoplifting after taking her daughter, who was holding an unpaid-for keychain, out of a crowded store to prevent a meltdown.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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With their vibrant pink color and unusual picotee pattern, the flowers of 'Supra Cherry' picotee dianthus will command attention in the garden.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
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Shop it in a set of two or pick up a single jar, and choose from two colors, including this deep green or vibrant orange.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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