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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 During the hearing, the judge went through her order line by line and detailed how agents should comply, including clearly identifying themselves and providing ample warning before deploying gas. Devan Cole, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025 Schneider walked Ohtani five times from the ninth inning on, giving Mookie Betts and Freeman ample opportunity to win the game with base runners on. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2025 Front seats provide ample legroom for a driver and passenger. Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025 The ample amount of colors and patterns to choose from. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ample
Adjective
  • The Yfxcvsl Stackable Storage Unit keeps these items organized in four spacious compartments.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The bag is lightweight and spacious, featuring an organized interior with a pocket.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Potatoes add a plentiful bit of starchy and are super tender after simmering.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Exterior deck areas are plentiful, from the upper aft deck for alfresco dining, to the lower-deck beach club which has a gym instead of the sauna and shower on the typical layout.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are also several large time skips as the play picks up speed and focuses less on the group in favor of exploring Lizzie’s mother and their family in its second act.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • In this pact, China agreed to make large agricultural and energy purchases and strengthen commitments to protect intellectual property and technology.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • My mother-in-law is a very generous lady.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Newquist was driven by her Christian faith and generous attitude, Davis said.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The wide-leg look allows for plenty of airflow, making these a great staple for the warmer days of early fall.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Their philanthropic efforts have supported a wide range of causes, including arts, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ample. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ample

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