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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ample differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ample are abundant, copious, and plentiful. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement.

ample food to last the winter

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

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

streams abundant with fish

When would copious be a good substitute for ample?

The meanings of copious and ample largely overlap; however, copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness.

copious examples of bureaucratic waste

When is it sensible to use plentiful instead of ample?

In some situations, the words plentiful and ample are roughly equivalent. However, 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 ample The town’s relatively affordable land prices provide ample space for farming, gardening, and homesteading, with many properties offering several acres, perfect for cultivating crops or raising livestock. Meghan Bernd, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 However, the team enters 2025 with the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft and ample salary cap space to revamp its roster. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 This Humble Math workbook includes 100 practice pages, clear instructions, and ample space for students to work through problems independently. Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 11 Jan. 2025 So, this means the Bears aren’t going to dial in on just one candidate after two weeks, interview that guy in person and make a move. — All the time the team has had to prepare for this week has given the Bears ample opportunity to vet a wide range of candidates. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ample 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ample
Adjective
  • Design highlights include two sliding glass doors that flood the interior with natural light and an outdoor spiral staircase that connects the spacious porch with a beautiful rooftop terrace.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Storage is ample and the unit comes with storage compartments and a spacious cargo bed.
    Josh Max, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While rain has been plentiful in the northern part of the state, Southern California has been bone dry, with only 0.03 of an inch of rain falling at LAX in the last three months of 2024.
    Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The possibilities are plentiful, if other thermochromic products are anything to go by.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Hamas has come under overwhelming pressure from Israel’s invasion of Gaza’s largest cities and towns and seizure of the border between Gaza and Egypt.
    Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Moviegoers without a custom container can get a $5 extra large popcorn at the concession stand, Cinemark said.
    Tanasia Kenney, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Still waiting for an organ, Richard relented, deciding to accept his friend’s generous offer.
    Allan Chernoff, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Viewpoints on responsible relief As an example of how tax reform could be undertaken responsibly, Kelly alluded to her signature policy priority, Medicaid expansion, suggesting that its enactment could offset generous tax relief.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Originally shared as wedding favors, these tiny delights soon won the wider public’s affection and started being sold everywhere.
    Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 13 Jan. 2025
  • McManus, who was 20-for-21 on field goals this season, pushed a 38-yarder wide right.
    Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near ample

Cite this Entry

“Ample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ample. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ample

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