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Populace is usually used to refer to all the people of a country. Thus, we're often told that an educated and informed populace is essential for a healthy American democracy. Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous radio "Fireside Chats" informed and reassured the American populace in the 1930s as we struggled through the Great Depression. We often hear about what "the general populace" is thinking or doing, but generalizing about something so huge can be tricky.
Examples of populace in a Sentence
The populace has suffered greatly.
high officials awkwardly mingling with the general populace
Recent Examples on the Web
His profiteering has drawn criticism from even the traditionally conservative editorial boards at the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, as well as the broader American populace.
—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
2 July 2026
The ongoing diversification of the American populace ensures that Latin American rhythms, jazz subgenres and electronic innovations will continue to redefine what the nation will sound like moving forward.
—
Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
The sign was welcomed by a populace seeking reassurance as fierce arguments over slavery strained the bonds of union.
—
Barbara Spindel,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 July 2026
There are many reasons for that, Johnson says, citing the introduction of the 24-hour news cycle, smartphones, social media and an increasingly online populace.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for populace
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Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
2 July 2026
The ongoing diversification of the American populace ensures that Latin American rhythms, jazz subgenres and electronic innovations will continue to redefine what the nation will sound like moving forward.
—
Ted Olson,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
The sign was welcomed by a populace seeking reassurance as fierce arguments over slavery strained the bonds of union.
—
Barbara Spindel,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 July 2026
There are many reasons for that, Johnson says, citing the introduction of the 24-hour news cycle, smartphones, social media and an increasingly online populace.
—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for populace
Cite this Entry
“Populace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/populace. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
populace
noun
pop·u·lace
ˈpäp-yə-ləs 
1
: the common people : masses
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