Thesaurus results for POPULAR

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 next

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

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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 From hearty casseroles to light pasta salads, these are the most popular pea recipes among BHG readers. —

Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026 Accountability for public officials who have used the office for their own gain and abdicated the grave responsibilities vested in them is popular and a galvanizing political force. —

New York Daily News, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026 The Pedestrian Mall, known widely as the Ped Mall, is a popular area in downtown Iowa City a few blocks away from the University of Iowa's main campus. —

Brandon Hurley, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026 The South Bay’s theater and vocal world were stunned by the sudden passing of Fang Klein, a popular performer, vocal instructor and performing arts advocate, with tributes throughout social media pouring in from all corners of the community. —

David John Chávez, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for popular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for popular

Adjective

Featuring bolder, thicker spots at the top and more refined, micro specks down the skirt, this mini dress makes all-day, fashionable wear easier than ever.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
While personal fans have been a fashionable accessory since before the Victorian era, the category has been stifled by a lack of innovation for a while.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026