COPY Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'copy' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copy are duplicate , facsimile , replica , and reproduction . While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically. // printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

Q: When might 'duplicate' be a better fit than 'copy'?

While the synonyms duplicate and copy are close in meaning, duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing. // a duplicate of a house key

Q: When would 'facsimile' be a good substitute for 'copy'?

The words facsimile and copy can be used in similar contexts, but facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale. // a facsimile of a rare book

Q: Where would 'replica' be a reasonable alternative to 'copy'?

Although the words replica and copy have much in common, replica implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details, but not always in the same scale. // a replica of the Mayflower // miniature replicas of classic cars

Q: In what contexts can 'reproduction' take the place of 'copy'?

The words reproduction and copy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing. // reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

copy 1 of 2

noun

ˈkä-pē

Definition of copy next

as in reproduction

something that is made to look exactly like something else a copy of the famous painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

copy

2 of 2

verb

as in to reproduce

to make an exact likeness of for the movie, set designers copied the Oval Office in the White House down to the smallest detail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to imitate

to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior she shamelessly copies her idol's hairstyle and fashion choices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun copy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copy are duplicate, facsimile, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When might duplicate be a better fit than copy?

While the synonyms duplicate and copy are close in meaning, duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When would facsimile be a good substitute for copy?

The words facsimile and copy can be used in similar contexts, but facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would replica be a reasonable alternative to copy?

Although the words replica and copy have much in common, replica implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details, but not always in the same scale.

a replica of the Mayflower

miniature replicas of classic cars

In what contexts can reproduction take the place of copy?

The words reproduction and copy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

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 copy

Noun

On vinyl, Halsey had her best-ever week in the format with 26,000 copies sold. —

Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024 However, some polling places restrict cell phone use, so paper copies may be the better option. —

Ashleigh Jackson, The Hill, 3 Nov. 2024

Verb

The new ruling comes about a year after Sheeran was found not liable for copying the song following a lawsuit by Ed Townsend’s estate. —

Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024 Doing a full backup—a backup operation that copies all of your data—can frequently be both resource and budget-unfriendly. —

Simon Jelley, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for copy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy

Noun

Biological evolution, with DNA mutations creating the configurations that persist through reproduction and natural selection, would then be only one subset of this broader law.

Paul Voosen, science.org, 1 Nov. 2024
Infections typically occur in the dry season, between December and April, following the reproduction cycle of the multimammate rat in the wet season, the World Health Organization said.

Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024