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 city of Spokane, which is the second-most populous city in Washington, accounts for nearly 40% of the county population.
—
Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025
Although more than 140 countries recognize Palestine as a state, France will be the biggest, most populous and most powerful among those in Europe that have taken this step.
—John Leicester, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
In happier news, Indian and Chinese travelers are hailing the end of the visa freeze between the world’s two most populous nations as diplomatic tensions thaw.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Not only are the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 nearly as popular as the Galaxy S25 series in the world's most populous nation, but the pre-order record set by the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 a couple of years back in Samsung's homeland has officially been broken as well.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025
Although more than 140 countries recognize Palestine as a state, France will be the biggest, most populous and most powerful among those in Europe that have taken this step.
—John Leicester, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
In happier news, Indian and Chinese travelers are hailing the end of the visa freeze between the world’s two most populous nations as diplomatic tensions thaw.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Not only are the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 nearly as popular as the Galaxy S25 series in the world's most populous nation, but the pre-order record set by the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 a couple of years back in Samsung's homeland has officially been broken as well.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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That history gives the band an edge—and credibility—in a crowded market.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Unlike other tests that can take several minutes or require privacy to use, this method is fast and low-profile, perfect for crowded clubs, bars, or house parties.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The book reads like a love letter to America's immigrant communities, reflecting her travels from the Cambodian enclaves of Lowell, Massachusetts, to the vibrant streets of Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Arizona, Miami, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, and El Paso.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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The world is finally embracing the vibrant rhythms and authentic storytelling that have been a part of our heritage for generations.—
Nkosiyati Khumalo,
Billboard,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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