Synonyms of copyist

copyist

noun

ˈkä-pē-ist 

1

as in imitator

a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way

she prides herself on being an innovator in fashion, and not a mere copyist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imitator
• follower
• echo
• aper
• rubber stamp
• copycat
• wannabe
• parrot
• ape
• impressionist
• emulator
• impersonator
• mimic

2

as in scribe

one who writes from dictation or copies manuscripts

some scholars argue that the vexing passage reflects a misreading of the text by an early copyist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scribe
• amanuensis
• calligrapher
• scrivener
• penman

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of copyist

At the same time, new technologies started to produce identical copies better and faster than any human copyist ever could. — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Copying is part of a long tradition in art history, especially at the Louvre, which has maintained a copyists’ bureau since its founding in 1793. — Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025

The watercolor was recently rejected by specialists in 2020, who believe the copyist worked from a photograph of the work that was first published in 1904. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 4 Oct. 2024

In an effort to thwart copyists, together these purist designers showed after the scheduled Fashion Week—and this was back when editors were still sailing to Paris from New York. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023

But her intention has been to draw inspiration and insight from each, without being a copyist. — Jon Garelick, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Nov. 2022

Grishman is a music copyist for Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater, who works closely with composers, orchestrators and players. — Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2022