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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 Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025 The round top has ample storage space, large enough to fit a lamp as well as commonly reached for items like remotes, books, beverages, and more. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025 This iPad has ample space for apps, photos, videos and other files. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The bag features ample space to fit essentials like a phone, wallet, a small cosmetics bag, sunglasses, and other must-haves. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ample
Adjective
  • The spacious suites feature an eclectic palette of rust, olive green, pale blue, and cream, with fabrics like boucle, velvet and leather.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The service is known for luxury on board its planes, with premium snacks, beverages, and spacious seating.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Well, after how much the team has invested in his unit this year, the excuses are gone, but the opportunities are plentiful.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Beyond ensuring that Americans have plentiful food options in their grocery stores and cafeterias, the baking industry also fosters careers rooted in purpose and community.
    Eric Dell, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Owens cited those messages as evidence of a larger issue, alleging that the incident was a pivotal moment in West’s life that triggered much of his subsequent behavior.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 May 2025
  • The entire sequence unfolds at Galilee Gulch, played in the show by a mansion on Lake Murray, just outside the state capital of Columbia, that happens to be the largest single-family residence in South Carolina, at around 18,000 square feet.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • What makes the piece notable is its exhaustive, generous attention to what might seem—to some—a frivolous subject.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • While most grocery store cakes are quarter-sheet cakes, Costco's is a generous half-sheet cake, so it's definitely meant to feed a crowd.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to data intelligence firm Morning Consult, DEI is one of the hot-button issues that produces the widest partisan gaps in what Americans want brands to talk about.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, meanwhile, has a wide range of buttons to press, and did so masterfully.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ample. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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