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 There’s copious gold to gather, mini-quests to complete, bananas and fossils to find, upgrade trees to fill out and a fun but basic story to progress. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The copious observations and reflections that the speaker relates expand the movie—a mere seventy-one minutes long—into a work of novelistic amplitude. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2025 Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025 When the pandemic filled their calendars with copious time at home, the duo got to work creating a gentler version of the spirit. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • The company also struck a distribution deal last year for its screenplay books, lavish tomes immortalizing A24’s most successful scripts, which are now available in bookstores around the world.
    Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The reveal came courtesy of renowned car dealer Landlord Jack, who showcased the vehicle and Kash Doll’s lavish gesture in a video shared online.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Sashimi Thanks to the abundant waters, even humble izakayas serve world-class slices.
    Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Pollen is abundant, Cho adds—a single floret of the common sunflower, for instance, produces 25,000 to 67,000 grains every summer.
    Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Boston had ample scoring opportunities, particularly early in Tuesday’s loss.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Soil moisture also plays a huge role, with the MSU Forestry Extension adding that ample precipitation is required for the most robust displays of color.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Right now is the perfect time to hop on these early Prime Day deals because though the discounts will be plentiful when Prime Big Deal Days officially kicks off in October, these early deals may not last.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Matcha is still plentiful in China, another major producer, but labor shortages and high demand have also raised prices there.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • A level 2 of 4 threat for excessive rainfall is in place for parts of eastern New Mexico and western Texas due to rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible in the heaviest storms.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The government's initial response, which blamed opposition factions rather than acknowledging excessive force, further inflamed tensions.
    Sonal Nain, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Definitely don’t be overly profuse or attempt to be complicated in whatever your request is.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The narratively profuse mystery game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is like living in a Bikini Kill song followed by a Phoebe Bridgers ballad.
    Harold Goldberg, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The triangular chain of reefs and rocks is coveted for its strategic location, bountiful fish stocks, and role as a sanctuary for boats during storms.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Just know that Charlotte’s bountiful arts and culture scene remains delightfully diverse and entertaining.
    Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For the finale, the street went dark, and the UBS Arena in Elmont, near New York City, was lit up with teal strobe lights like a riotous party.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Producers, Garrick Theatre (1st September 2025 – 12th February 2026) Mel Brooks’ riotous classic returns to the West End just in time for his 99th birthday.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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