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
In January, the ministry issued an alert on several fatal hantavirus outbreaks, including in the most populous province of Buenos Aires.
—
Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
India, the most populous nation in the world, will have a pavilion for the first time in seven years, put together with the Indian Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
Even populous British colonies like Virginia and Pennsylvania grew blurry on their western frontiers, where indistinct borders were protected by a few lonely forts.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
The Middle East’s most populous nation imports the vast majority of its fuels, and is particularly vulnerable to the energy crisis sparked by the conflict.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
India, the most populous nation in the world, will have a pavilion for the first time in seven years, put together with the Indian Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
Even populous British colonies like Virginia and Pennsylvania grew blurry on their western frontiers, where indistinct borders were protected by a few lonely forts.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
The Middle East’s most populous nation imports the vast majority of its fuels, and is particularly vulnerable to the energy crisis sparked by the conflict.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
-
In the gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist whose campaign message centers her experience as a single mother, is currently a narrow front-runner in a crowded field.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Notably, voters will winnow a crowded field of candidates for governor down to two.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Late spring, after threat of frost has passed Dill is a fabulous garden plant, providing flavorful foliage and seeds for kitchen use, as well as vibrant blooms beloved by predatory wasps, lacewings, and syrphid flies.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
-
The vibrant flower enhances Leo's aura, urging them to shine their motherly instincts.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
