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Synonyms

popularly

American  
[pop-yuh-ler-lee] / ˈpɒp yə lər li /

adverb

  1. by the people as a whole; generally; widely.

    a fictitious story popularly accepted as true.

  2. for popular taste; for the general masses of people.

    He writes popularly on many subjects.


popularly British  
/ ˈpɒpjʊləlɪ /

adverb

  1. by the public as a whole; generally or widely

  2. usually; commonly

    his full name is Robert, but he is popularly known as Bob

  3. in a popular manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonpopularly adverb
  • overpopularly adverb
  • quasi-popularly adverb
  • semipopularly adverb

Etymology

Origin of popularly

First recorded in 1570–80; popular + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Shah, popularly known as Balen, is expected to be sworn in as prime minister around midday on Friday.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Although he can be a popularly gregarious crossover performer, here he suggests a ruler of profound, unflappable dignity, rather than vulnerability.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

A “Mandalorian” film featuring sidekick Grogu, popularly known as Baby Yoda, comes out in May; and “Starfighter,” a movie starring Ryan Gosling, recently wrapped production and comes out in 2027.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

His strongest challenger is expected to be Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, a former pop star.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Then, Newtonianism had to be made popularly accessible.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton