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Definitions

popular

[pop-yuh-ler] / ˈpɒp yə lər /
ADJECTIVE
well-known, favorite
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attractive beloved famous fashionable favored prominent suitable trendy
WEAK
accepted approved caught on celebrated crowd-pleasing faddish in in demand in favor in the mainstream in vogue leading likable liked lovable noted notorious now okay pleasing praised preferred prevailing promoted right stuff run-after selling social societal sought sought-after stylish the rage thing well-liked well-received
Antonyms
STRONGEST
inconspicuous obscure old-fashioned unfashionable unknown unpopular
WEAK
disliked
ADJECTIVE
common, standard
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accessible familiar prevalent public rampant ubiquitous universal
WEAK
accepted adopted approved conventional current demanded embraced general in demand in use ordinary prevailing proletarian regnant rife ruling stock widespread
Antonyms
STRONGEST
limited particular uncommon
WEAK
different unusual

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“In popular culture, the hero story is an easy sell, and people like to explain the world that way,” says Sebastian Fixson, professor of innovation and design at Babson College.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Rubber was popular in the early 19th century because it was waterproof and flexible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

While comedy is considered to be one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country, it has not traditionally been one to receive guaranteed state support.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

In Anaheim, John Carpino tossed the first pitch, even with popular alumni such as Torii Hunter and Tim Salmon in the house.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

It wasn’t so popular with the rest of the world, and European nations in particular watched uneasily as Germany suddenly got a lot bigger.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.