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as in democratic
of, relating to, or favoring political democracy a truly popular revolution, not one that replaced one dictatorship with another

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in affordable
being within the financial means of most people from their inception, DVDs were designed to be sold directly to consumers at popular prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective popular contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of popular are common, familiar, ordinary, plain, and vulgar. While all these words mean "generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual," popular applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups.

a writer of popular romances

When is it sensible to use common instead of popular?

While the synonyms common and popular are close in meaning, common implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness.

a common error
lacked common honesty
common manners

When would familiar be a good substitute for popular?

In some situations, the words familiar and popular are roughly equivalent. However, familiar stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized.

a familiar melody

When might ordinary be a better fit than popular?

While in some cases nearly identical to popular, ordinary stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things.

an ordinary pleasant summer day
a very ordinary sort of man

In what contexts can plain take the place of popular?

The words plain and popular can be used in similar contexts, but plain is likely to suggest homely simplicity.

plain hard-working people

How are the words vulgar and popular related?

Vulgar, otherwise similar to popular, is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness).

souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of popular But last year, the 171-year-old building that housed the popular bar was torn down weeks after the 2024 running of the parade. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 For now, the popular set and plenty of other bundles are up to 30% off. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2025 True branding strength comes from owning your narrative—not just following what’s popular. Rhett Power, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 As to the long term value, the market for props fluctuates like any collectible, depending on factors like scarcity, desirability, salience and memorability of the movie in today’s popular culture and dynamics within an auction itself. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for popular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for popular
Adjective
  • The hotel’s fashionable twist on afternoon tea debuts this weekend serving up runway-to-teatime transformations that are equal parts couture and confection.
    Ritu Upadhyay, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Following in mom Victoria Beckham's fashionable footsteps, Romeo Beckham attends Milan Fashion Week in stylish streetwear on Feb. 27.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Its imposing size and dramatic silhouette should, according to conventional design wisdom, limit its range.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The 36 dwarf galaxies are varied in their properties, and many exhibit puzzling orbits that conventional theories have so far been unable to explain.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Mavericks have endured a number of injuries to their roster, and the loss of Dončić is something no one saw coming due to the ownership and general manager Nico Harrison.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Read more: Our Film Critic’s Favorite 2025 Oscar Nominees This last Oscars race in general, and Baker’s film in particular, only reinforce that trend.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Calls for Oversight Democratic lawmakers appear to see an opening amid the debate.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Championing Civic Engagement Universities are uniquely positioned to foster civic responsibility and a deep appreciation for democratic values.
    Irma Becerra, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Modern solutions offer enterprise-level capabilities at more affordable prices.
    Srinagesh Vitthanala, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The housing projects purchased will be converted to affordable housing and worker dormitories.
    John Liu, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Read: The cost of avoiding microplastics In the mid-1990s, China emerged as the principal destination for used cups, straws, and the like; the country’s growing manufacturing sector was eager to make use of cheap, recycled raw plastic.
    Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Seeds are also cheaper than purchasing young plants.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Wondering when and where your favorite team is playing next?
    David Ammenheuser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
  • For a beauty brand that plays in both the fragrance and hair care arena, a hair perfume feels like a natural extension—after all, what many users associate with their favorite hair care products is, of course, a scent.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As usual, Soderbergh edits in style using his Mary Ann Bernard pseudonym and his Peter Andrews pseudonym as well for the fine cinematography.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Popular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/popular. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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