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

Example 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 The copious amounts of sunlight in the film can make for a monotonous sameness, and for all her efforts to seem cool, Dynevor’s stoicism falls flat against that backdrop. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025 Among them: soaring 11-foot-three-inch ceilings, which McMahon managed to maintain throughout, oversized windows lining treetop exposures, and copious natural light. David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2025 Supermassive black holes are theorized to get so big through a chain of mergers involving smaller black holes and by feasting on copious amounts of gas and dust. Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 And aside from the copious course knowledge homework prep work entails, he’s unphased by his first trip to the California desert. Mike Dojc, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for copious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • Dining options are decidedly more lavish than on most American carriers.
    Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
  • 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
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
  • Regular wool remains a solid choice, however, offering ample warmth and breathability at a much more affordable pricepoint than cashmere.
    Jessica Macdonald, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Trump’s nominees for many high-level administrative posts bear ample testimony to his disdain for science.
    Michael S. Lubell, Scientific American, 29 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
  • Progressive reformers viewed this as a modern evil just like unsafe working conditions and the excessive power of trusts.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Those not able to cash in, however, see the program as one of two things: a genuine offer hamstrung by excessive red tape, or a half-hollow gesture meant to rack up free PR in the midst of a historic disaster.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 28 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
  • In 2021 the inauguration of Joe Biden, after a riotous political season and the pandemic with stay-at -home mandates averaged 33.8 million.
    Brad Adgate, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • 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

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Thesaurus Entries Near copious

Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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