POPULAR Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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as in general

held by or applicable to a majority of the people popular opinion on that issue has changed dramatically over the years

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as in democratic

of, relating to, or favoring political democracy a truly popular revolution, not one that replaced one dictatorship with another

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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

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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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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 The small plane belonged to Vince Neil, the lead singer for the popular 1980s heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. —

Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Feb. 2025 Based on the quintessential toyline first launched in the 1980s and the popular cartoon of the same era, the concept centers on the character of Prince Adam of Eternia who, thanks to his Power Sword, turns into the muscular He-Man and is imbued with superhuman strength and abilities. —

Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025 Check out the popular El Porto for larger waves, along with a paved bike path and beach volleyball courts. —

Katie Kiefner, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025 According to the parents of teen caffeine-drinkers, soda was by far the most popular caffeine source in their kids' diet. —

Korin Miller, Health, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for popular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for popular

Adjective

These fashionable kicks have removable EVA orthotic inserts and thick, cushioned soles that’ll support your feet on long travel days.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025
Meghan Markle isn’t letting chilly weather stop her from wearing a fashionable ’fit.

— Averi Baudler, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025