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
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.
—
CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
These milestones — as well as the historical Quran — reflect the longstanding and vibrant Muslim residents of the nation’s most populous city, according to a scholar who helped Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, select one of the books.
—Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026
Mamdani, a democratic socialist who won the Democratic nomination for mayor and this week became the first Muslim mayor of the nation's most populous city, is a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
The Chicago police also celebrated a 30% drop in murders compared with 2024, but detectives there investigated 412 homicides — 109 more than the NYPD did despite New York being more three times as populous.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
These milestones — as well as the historical Quran — reflect the longstanding and vibrant Muslim residents of the nation’s most populous city, according to a scholar who helped Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, select one of the books.
—Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026
Mamdani, a democratic socialist who won the Democratic nomination for mayor and this week became the first Muslim mayor of the nation's most populous city, is a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
The Chicago police also celebrated a 30% drop in murders compared with 2024, but detectives there investigated 412 homicides — 109 more than the NYPD did despite New York being more three times as populous.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces also can reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections or spreading your illness to others.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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With wintry weather and crowded airports, Thanksgiving travel can already be stressful.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
6 Nov. 2025
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 9 Jan. 2026.
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