numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
ˈnüm-rə-;
ˈnyü-mə-,
ˈnyüm-rə-
Synonyms of numerousnext
: consisting of great numbers of units or individuals
born into a numerous family
also : many
received numerous complaints
The people I'd like to thank are too numerous to mention.
numerously adverb
numerousness noun

Synonyms

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Examples of numerous in a Sentence

She decided to leave for numerous reasons. The birds are becoming more numerous in this area.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eight people died in the interstate pile-up, and numerous injuries were reported, the Kansas Highway Patrol said Saturday. — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2025 Still, examples of talented women overcoming gender biases in reaching the upper echelons of the 20th century fine art world are far less numerous than the other way around. — Chadd Scott, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Charlotte Flair's career is a testament to her dominance in professional wrestling, marked by numerous championship reigns, legendary feuds, and even hosting WrestleMania. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Driving the news: According to local reports in Yemen, numerous explosions took place in Sana'a around 1:30pm ET. — Barak Ravid, Axios, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for numerous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin numerōsus, from numerus number entry 2 + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerous was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing numerous

Rhymes for numerous

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Browse Nearby Words

numerous
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Cite this Entry

“Numerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerous. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

numerous

adjective
nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
: consisting of great numbers
numerous friends
numerously adverb

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