numerous

adjective

nu·​mer·​ous ˈnü-mə-rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
ˈnüm-rə-;
ˈnyü-mə-, 
ˈnyüm-rə-
Synonyms of numerous
: consisting of great numbers of units or individuals
born into a numerous family
also : many
received numerous complaints
The people I'd like to thank are too numerous to mention.
numerously adverb
numerousness noun

Synonyms of numerous

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Examples of numerous in a Sentence

She decided to leave for numerous reasons. The birds are becoming more numerous in this area.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Since then, Nichols' group has run numerous experiments in animal models of disease including asthma, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, but the field has needed to test whether these protective effects hold up in humans. — Will Stone, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026 The company still faces numerous personal injury claims and a separate federal case involving a group of nationwide school districts that also focus on allegations that apps like Instagram have had detrimental effects on the well being of children. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 But vaccine skeptics have seized on public health messages that focus on frightening accounts and statistics, rather than the much more numerous children who recover. — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026 There were numerous evacuations nearby, including a school, and several blocks of Midtown were shut down while crews worked to stabilize the building. — Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for numerous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin numerōsus, from numerus number entry 2 + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numerous was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing numerous

Rhymes for numerous

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Browse Nearby Words

numero uno
numerous
numerously
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Cite this Entry

“Numerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numerous. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

numerous

adjective
nu·​mer·​ous ˈn(y)üm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce numerous (audio)
: consisting of great numbers
numerous friends
numerously adverb
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