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
Oahu, the most populous island in the Hawaiian archipelago, was well-represented in this year’s rankings.
—
John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Thus, in a more populous city, in 2021, about three-quarters of a million fewer people voted than in 1993.
—Christian Browne, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
Fortunately, legislation pending in the New York City Council would trim the problem here in America’s most populous city.
—Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this year’s reader-favorite city hotels in India are split between the country’s two most populous cities, Delhi and Mumbai.
—Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Thus, in a more populous city, in 2021, about three-quarters of a million fewer people voted than in 1993.
—Christian Browne, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
Fortunately, legislation pending in the New York City Council would trim the problem here in America’s most populous city.
—Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this year’s reader-favorite city hotels in India are split between the country’s two most populous cities, Delhi and Mumbai.
—Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for populous
Adjective
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The downside of this route is that digital books can easily get lost in the shuffle of crowded devices.—
Vikrant Shaurya,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Also in central Gaza on Sunday, at least 12 people were killed and more than 40 injured when an Israeli airstrike targeted a crowded junction, according to Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, Director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex central Gaza City.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Handshake Bitters Rooted in Persian heritage and Portland’s vibrant food scene, Handshake Bitters is part digestif, part storybook.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Columbus is regarded for its vibrant arts, culture and food scene, and ex-Hoosiers apparently want a piece of that.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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