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
Two competitors will be—in fact, already are—the world's two most populous states, India and China.
—
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Change in population, 2020 to 2024 Among 50 most populous metro areas
U.S. overall +2.6%
DecreasedIncreased
±0%+3%+6%+9%
Change
1%10%
San Francisco
-2%
Austin
+10.9%
Raleigh
+10.2%
Central Ohio's population continues to grow, thanks largely to international migration.
—Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025
For example, in Kalamata, the second most populous city in the region, an expat could rent a 750-square-foot apartment for as low as $530 per month.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2025
Maine, one of the nation’s least populous states, has recently found itself at the center of the nation’s debate over trans athletes.
—Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Change in population, 2020 to 2024 Among 50 most populous metro areas
U.S. overall +2.6%
DecreasedIncreased
±0%+3%+6%+9%
Change
1%10%
San Francisco
-2%
Austin
+10.9%
Raleigh
+10.2%
Central Ohio's population continues to grow, thanks largely to international migration.
—Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025
For example, in Kalamata, the second most populous city in the region, an expat could rent a 750-square-foot apartment for as low as $530 per month.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2025
Maine, one of the nation’s least populous states, has recently found itself at the center of the nation’s debate over trans athletes.
—Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for populous
Cite this Entry
“Populous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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