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
As the Garden State’s second most populous city (Newark is the top), Jersey City offers quick access for New York City commuters.
—
Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
The phrase, which has been used by pro-Palestinian activists, has become a sticking point between Mamdani, the Democratic nominee to lead the nation’s most populous city, and parts of its Jewish community.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Among them are governors of the most populous blue states, California and New York, and several governors who are considered possible 2028 presidential candidates, including California's Gavin Newsom, Illinois' JB Pritzker and Maryland's Moore.
—NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Macomb County has a new public defender leading an office of nearly two dozen attorneys providing legal defense and representation to those who cannot afford it in Michigan's third most populous county.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
The phrase, which has been used by pro-Palestinian activists, has become a sticking point between Mamdani, the Democratic nominee to lead the nation’s most populous city, and parts of its Jewish community.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Among them are governors of the most populous blue states, California and New York, and several governors who are considered possible 2028 presidential candidates, including California's Gavin Newsom, Illinois' JB Pritzker and Maryland's Moore.
—NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Macomb County has a new public defender leading an office of nearly two dozen attorneys providing legal defense and representation to those who cannot afford it in Michigan's third most populous county.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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For ten days in July, fighter jets roared, infantry exchanged fire in crowded streets, and mobile missile launchers twirled their payloads from sandy beachheads as part of its annual Han Kuang exercises.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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Still, the incident highlights vulnerabilities in airport security, especially in crowded areas not overseen by TSA officers.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Plus, the color options include both neutral shades and more vibrant hues like burgundy, olive, and purple.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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Releasing later this week, the latest product of their longstanding partnership is a vibrant collection of apparel, footwear and accessories that celebrate esports and the gaming community.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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