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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

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 ample With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025 Trump's speech − clocked at 1 hour and 39 minutes, the longest of its kind in modern U.S. history − offered ample reminders of how the second-term Republican president has already tested the limits of executive authority in almost every facet of the job. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 To give your home a warm and cozy makeover with ample vintage charm, Rees suggests installing going for all-over pattern drenching in a space like a bedroom. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025 That has zero to do with the quality or enjoyment of the course for traveling golfers, and in many cases, tournament venues are chosen for reasons like ample parking more than quality. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ample
Adjective
  • Its compact size is filled with storage options, like the spacious main pocket, an interior zip pocket for small accessories, an exterior slip, and an interior slip.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The sweat-wicking fabric is ideal heading into spring, and the pants even boast spacious yet unobtrusive pockets to hold your phone and other travel essentials.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Outdoor activities are plentiful, from the numerous hiking trails to the Contoocook River, which offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025
  • For example, cheap labor and service means women in major cities can outsource domestic tasks to workers who migrate into the cities, supplementing that free and plentiful childcare.
    Rocio Wu, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of them also had small holes drilled into them, large enough for a string to pass through.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025
  • View Comments And the risks of taking such a heavy-handed and broad-based approach against such a large volume of goods (43% of all US imports) are just too great to sugarcoat, said Douglas Porter, chief economist at BMO Financial Group.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At 80, Gaines has eyes that are clear and discerning, his generous and direct demeanor giving away his decades-long experience as an educator.
    Meka Boyle, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
  • With the generous windfall, consider becoming your own boss.
    ESSENCE Lifestyle, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The film writer, critic, programmer and moderator has been part of the festival programming team since its inaugural edition in 2001, when there was still a lot of skepticism and pushback in the wider film world about the event.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
  • There is a wide range of putting training aids available to golfers of all skill levels.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ample. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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