Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective copious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copious are abundant, ample, and plentiful. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness.

copious examples of bureaucratic waste

How do abundant and plentiful relate to one another, in the sense of copious?

Abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful.

streams abundant with fish

When can ample be used instead of copious?

While in some cases nearly identical to copious, ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement.

ample food to last the winter

When is plentiful a more appropriate choice than copious?

The words plentiful and copious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plentiful implies a great or rich supply.

peaches are plentiful this summer

Examples 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 copious While language models learn how to generate text by training on copious amounts of books, articles, and social media posts, Cosmos is designed to generate images and 3D models of the physical world. Will Knight, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025 Tan spends copious amounts of time with the wardrobe and what’s going to make a silhouette work for this or that body. Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 6 Jan. 2025 It's given you copious amounts of opportunity to reconnect with friends and acquaintances. Kyle Thomas, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025 Officers pulled over a Rolls-Royce Ghost speeding north on Highway 99 and were stunned to find a small monkey wearing a onesie inside — as well as copious amounts of marijuana and five cellphones. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for copious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • Couples treatments here are not to be missed; a lavish duet suite boasts side-by-side soaking tubs and treatment tables.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Dining options are decidedly more lavish than on most American carriers.
    Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Magnesium is an abundant body mineral in many foods and some common medicines.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
  • While the beach is certainly the main attraction around here, the multi-level infinity pool and on-property casino add to the already abundant charm.
    Jared Ranahan, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Expect ample debates over social media moderation and the future of TikTok after the Supreme Court on Friday backed a law forcing the app’s owner, ByteDance, to sell it to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the United States.
    Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Shoppers shared that they were repeatedly impressed by its ample interior space and can pack far more than expected.
    Alyssa Brascia, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Panthers have a solid-but-not-great cap situation due to years of restructurings, and their draft capital is plentiful with the option to be enhanced by a trade out of the top 10.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025
  • During a recent visit, the place was packed and plates of labneh (yogurt cheese), sabzi polo (Persian rice with a browned crust) and chicken kebabs were plentiful.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Indian rupee has been depreciating against the U.S. dollar this week, but the government has enough foreign exchange reserves to stem any excessive currency moves, sources within the government said.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Forgiveness for students who saw excessive loan interest after 10 or 20 years would likely no longer be an option.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Dodgers officials, however, have been profuse in their praise of Betts since the start of the season.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
  • Snow Cone is unlike others, smothered in small but profuse white blooms.
    Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 27 May 2021
Adjective
  • The Florida Keys—an archipelago of coral cays stretching from just north of Key Largo all the way south to Key West—are not known for their bountiful beaches, which comes as a surprise to most visitors.
    Terry Ward, Outside Online, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Fertilize and water regularly for bountiful blooms.
    Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Vice President Mike Pence accepted the results as certified by each state, defying Trump and a riotous mob to declare Joe Biden the winner.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 18 Dec. 2024
  • While some characters could use some scaling back in terms of their damage output (Hawkeye), the chaotic nature and unlimited potential of so many overpowered characters thrown together at once makes for a riotous experience that’s refreshingly ludicrous.
    Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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