numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
ˈnüm-rə-;
ˈnyü-mə-, 
ˈnyüm-rə-
Synonyms of numerous
: 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 of numerous

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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.
His sporting career earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Holmenkollen Medal in 2007. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Southern California has developed a deadly culture of street racing that has claimed numerous lives. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 North Carolina has made numerous changes to incentives for filming over the years. — Eva Flowe august 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Authorities said community members submitted numerous tips, videos and photos through the FBI’s digital media tip line. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 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

numero uno
numerous
numerously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Numerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerous. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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