1
2
as in populace
the body of the community as contrasted with the elite
tensions mounted until the people rose up in rebellion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in family
a group of persons who come from the same ancestor
introduced my new boyfriend to my people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to inhabit
to supply with inhabitants
a science-fiction novel about a mission to people Mars
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 people
Susan Page, USA Today, 15 June 2026
But John Dickerson, who had profiled Prine for a CBS News segment, was on hand to speak to how the singer-songwriter could bring people together.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 15 June 2026
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Why can’t people RSVP properly for goodness’ sake?
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for people
Plural noun
The physical records of his presidential administration, which by law belong to the American people, are held by the National Archives and Records Administration at sites in suburban Chicago and suburban Washington.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 15 June 2026
But John Dickerson, who had profiled Prine for a CBS News segment, was on hand to speak to how the singer-songwriter could bring people together.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 15 June 2026
Verb
The paradox of this quartet of movies up for the new casting Oscar, all boldly peopled with nonprofessionals, is that this very practice has become professionalized.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Why can’t people RSVP properly for goodness’ sake?
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for people
Recent Examples of Synonyms for people
Verb
-
This puts in motion a chain of events that will see Jessie returned to her old farmhouse in the countryside, now inhabited by a girl about Bonnie’s age — Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris) — and her parents.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
16 June 2026
-
Sara Dosa is a part of the community that inhabits this space.—
Erika Owen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Because the wellness space is populated by the same people who share the original club, the boundaries between social life and self-care begin to dissolve.—
Nick Scott,
Robb Report,
13 June 2026
-
Last year, 36 percent of the games played by the Oilers were populated by age 30-plus skaters and goalies.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“People.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/people. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
