POPULAR Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

popular

adjective

ˈpä-pyə-lər

Definition of popular

as in fashionable

enjoying widespread favor or approval an actor who was popular in the 1970s

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conventional

accepted, used, or practiced by most people the popular custom of exchanging greeting cards during the holiday season

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in general

held by or applicable to a majority of the people popular opinion on that issue has changed dramatically over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

as in cheap

costing little we also have the popular models, for those who prefer not to invest too much in a new TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In 1967, her quest for stardom led her to join country music star Porter Wagoner on his popular weekly television show, which gained her national recognition. — Tania Bryer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 Perhaps unsurprisingly, hiking and scenic drives are quite popular here to explore all those different landscapes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 An even harsher government continues to crush popular opposition. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026 The secretary desk is an ever-popular piece of furniture that Southern designers consistently weave into their projects. — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for popular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for popular

Adjective

From Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka to Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic, the biggest stars in tennis traded their on-court kits for some highly fashionable attire.

— Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Packed to the rafters with fashionable Western clothing and accessories, Maverick Fine Western Wear is a must-stop shop in the heart of the Stockyards.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of fashionable

Adjective

The platform links brand clients with filmmakers around the world to turn advertising messages into standalone films with real narrative ambition, rather than conventional commercials.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
The technology can support both conventional and remote sites, like areas where traditional energy infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to build.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of conventional

Adjective

Diaper qualities and features Some general diaper selection factors to consider are cost, softness, absorbency, fit, fragrance, ingredients and environmental friendliness.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
His agents, Matt and Ryan Keator, wisely held off on engaging in serious negotiations with the Ducks and general manager Pat Verbeek throughout the year while recognizing the uncertainty of an evolving NHL marketplace fueled by a surging salary cap.

— Chris Johnston, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

Ideological fractures linger among Democrats Some Democratic officials worry that the rise of democratic socialists within the party presents a political problem for candidates in swing districts.

— Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
While independence allows central bankers to make decisions without short-term political interference from presidents wanting to juice the economy, credible external scrutiny helps provide the democratic legitimacy for that independence.

— Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of democratic

Adjective

Taylor Farms says 40% of salad kits sold at grocery stores come from the company, giving it a massive role in supplying a convenient and cheap vegetable option for many shoppers.

— Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Successful validation Sodium is cheap, abundant, and chemically similar to lithium.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheap

Adjective

My favorite scare must have been accomplished with the person-doubling technology from The Prestige.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
It's positioned by the infinity pool and our favorite slice of sand, where beanbag loungers squat in front of a cocktail bar and a cinema-sized projector on movie nights.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of favorite

Adjective

Immediately, Zack-Carlos goes back to reasserting his presence in the house, eager to stay as long as possible and be his usual insufferable self.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
For cats that need a larger calorie reduction, Yeo said a veterinary weight-management diet may be safer than simply serving much less of their usual food because it is formulated to provide adequate nutrients with fewer calories.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of usual

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“Popular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/popular. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of popular

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