as in public
the body of the community as contrasted with the elite
"I pay no attention to the opinions of the hoi polloi," the writer sniffed
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Recent Examples of hoi polloi
Next up is none other than The U, yet another member of the college football hoi polloi, in a championship game that might require organ donation to get a ticket.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
The Center has also opened overflow space elsewhere on the second floor for Writers Studio members in the morning, before the hoi polloi of the general membership arrive.
—Brendan O'Connor, Curbed, 17 Nov. 2025
Kapalua Bay Villas has deluxe one and two-bedroom villas perched on sunny, secluded Kapaula Bay, far from the hoi polloi.
—Ben Davidson Correspondent, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025
Colbert has sober Catholic suits and an in-studio audience of the local hoi polloi.
—Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hoi polloi
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
The Center has also opened overflow space elsewhere on the second floor for Writers Studio members in the morning, before the hoi polloi of the general membership arrive.
—Brendan O'Connor, Curbed, 17 Nov. 2025
Kapalua Bay Villas has deluxe one and two-bedroom villas perched on sunny, secluded Kapaula Bay, far from the hoi polloi.
—Ben Davidson Correspondent, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025
Colbert has sober Catholic suits and an in-studio audience of the local hoi polloi.
—Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hoi polloi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoi polloi
people
Plural Noun
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Britain has consulted teachers, parents and young people on new restrictions, including a possible ban for under-16s, as well as curfews, app time limits and curbs on what the government has described as addictive design features.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
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Cynthia goes down the list of people Shamea is clashing with and, as usual, all roads lead to Porsha.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hoi polloi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoi%20polloi. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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