1
2

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 Haven’t most Michigan fans accepted the punishment and expressed ample disappointment in the stain this story brought on their university? Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 The refreshing cobalt blue colorway would blend into any Danish modern home, while the shelving itself provides ample display space for your favorite coffee table books. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2025 With ample evidence of Knox’s innocence available for over a decade, Steinberg and her writers had the chance to do something more than mount yet another defense. Judy Berman, Time, 20 Aug. 2025 The bear was relocated to a safe, wooded area with ample food and water after no lacerations or additional injuries were noted, the DNR said. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ample
Adjective
  • This one fared better than most: It was gated, close to shops and restaurants, and spacious enough to keep up with the antics of the couple’s toddler twin boys.
    Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025
  • This single-story house offers a spacious layout with four bedrooms and two baths.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Activities are plentiful here including a stunning golf course.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Hotels and condominium resorts are plentiful in Puerto Peñasco's tourist areas such as Sandy Beach, Playa Bonita and Playa Hermosa.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Recent research suggests exercise plays a larger role in cancer prevention than previously thought, potentially preventing 40% of cases.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The three largest investors were Joe Agresti, David Ingram and Tony Giarratana himself.
    Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
    Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
  • This sequel includes a generous recap of the previous film’s story, based on ancient Chinese mythological characters and the 16th-century epic novel Investiture of the Gods.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The England international, who is capable of playing at No 10 or wide, has made 167 appearances and scored 40 goals for the south London club.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Born on October 14, 1946, in New York City, Sloan built an impressive resume with early assignments as a writer and producer on a wide range of TV dramas.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ample. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ample

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!