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

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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 Directed by Garry Marshall, The Princess Diaries cast is populated by frequent collaborator Héctor Elizondo, as well as Mandy Moore (in her on-screen movie debut) and independent film star Heather Matarazzo. — Eric Todisco, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 For example, users could use the feature to visualize the city of Pompeii before the eruption of Vesuvius, or turn famous landmarks into illustrated infographics populated with data pulled directly from Gemini’s multimodal output. — Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 As a result, the lower sections of the Tower were almost empty, populated by only a handful of technicians who often had little to do except monitor the telecommunications gear. — David Szondy august 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026 In Allentown, in a minor-league ballpark patrolled by the Pork Racers and populated by children from summer camps screaming their lungs out, the external noise quieted. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for populate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for populate

Verb

As a result, the bacteria can be very shellfish too, being found in shellfish inhabiting those water.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
During most of the year, merlins inhabit open country ranging from marshlands to deserts, but many breed in conifer and birch woods.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of inhabit

Verb

Today, this part of the South Side seems to be almost entirely peopled by Black families.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Ishaq has made a film peopled with women and boys who go beyond simple archetypes, setting joyful female solidarity against omnipresent conflict in a way designed to communicate with a broad demographic.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 May 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of populate

verb

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