POPULATE Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

populate

verb

ˈpä-pyə-ˌlāt

Definition of populate

as in to inhabit

to supply with inhabitants a small island populated only by woodland creatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 populate Panettiere starred on the series as Claire Bennet, a cheerleader who had the power to regenerate herself in a world populated by other superheroic people. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 Once populated by Native Americans, Jackson is known today for its ski resorts. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Only with 15 minutes remaining before kick-off did Ilicali reach the more familiar faces that populate his lounge. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Shows and stars who wouldn’t be out of place on Food Network or HGTV are starting to populate with vertical shows. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for populate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for populate

Verb

The shark is only one of three shark species known to inhabit the murky waters of rivers.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
The shop’s mascot, a rabbit, is named Lewis, after the original Lewis & Duncan grocery store that once inhabited the building.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of inhabit

Verb

The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter Carson McCullers’ remarkable debut novel tells a story of the American South, one set in Georgia and peopled with a cast of characters that exist in a rich, layered, and challenging reality.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Today, this part of the South Side seems to be almost entirely peopled by Black families.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

Definition of people

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popularizing

populate

populated

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“Populate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/populate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of populate

verb

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