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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 All the dogs were in poor condition due to lack of access to ample food and clean water. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025 This gives you ample time to see if the mattress is the right fit for you. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025 Over the long term, the analyst also sees ample room for Nike to recover its operating margins. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 28 July 2025 Cedar ceilings top off just about every room, and a cedar roof deck offers ample outdoor space atop the home. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ample
Adjective
  • The best ones are spacious without being bulky, stylish enough for any setting, and thoughtfully designed with pockets and features that actually make packing and carrying easier.
    Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • The spacious property located in the 2300 block of Sunny Vista Drive in San Jose was sold on June 3, 2025.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Florida health officials announced on July 11 that four people had died and at least seven others were made sick due to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly flesh-eating bacteria that seems to be plentiful in Florida's warm climate.
    Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • Giddy gratification and gory glimpses of the ocean predators are plentiful this year, as is some frightening and fascinating footage of the summer season’s seminal scallywag.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • The vehicle crashed through a block wall and left a large hole in the side of the building, according to Lee and photos from the scene.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • Kentucky’s largest wastewater treatment facility, which serves two-thirds of Louisville residents, is being modernized to sustainably produce Class A biosolids, meet stricter clean water regulations and create renewable energy.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Google provides generous leave periods, financial support and reintegration programs for new parents returning to work.
    Will Fan, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The new subsidies are more generous for low- and middle-income earners and are available to people with higher incomes who previously were ineligible.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • With a sound profile that’s been engineered for accuracy, the wide and flat frequency response of the MR5 starts off at 46Hz and extends to 40kHz, which is quite a large step beyond the 20kHz that many studio monitors end at.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Previous research indicates that, compared to pessimists, optimists enjoy wider social circles, tend to be perceived as more likeable and are more likely to be accepted by their peers.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ample. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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