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Definition of populace

populace

/ˈpɑːpjələs/
pop · u · lace
Adverb:popularly
•
Plural:populaces
•
Adjective:popular
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populace Lexical Profile

populace Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The people living in a particular country, city, or area, considered collectively, especially the ordinary citizens as opposed to the ruling or privileged classes.

Example

"The city government launched an educational campaign to inform the local populace about the new recycling initiatives."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for populace
Antonyms
View all antonyms for populace

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse the noun "populace" (the general public or inhabitants of a place) with the homophonous adjective "populous" (densely populated or having a large number of inhabitants).

• Rhymes for populace

• Nearby Words

poppyseed
pops
popsicle
populace
popular
popularity
popularization

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from French "populace," from Italian "popolaccio" (originally a pejorative term meaning "the common rabble"), ultimately derived from Latin "populus" meaning "people."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Populace. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/populace
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