COPIOUS Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'copious' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copious are abundant , ample , and plentiful . While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness. // copious examples of bureaucratic waste

Q: How do 'abundant' and 'plentiful' relate to one another, in the sense of 'copious'?

Abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful . // streams abundant with fish

Q: When can 'ample' be used instead of 'copious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to copious , ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement. // ample food to last the winter

Q: When is 'plentiful' a more appropriate choice than 'copious'?

The words plentiful and copious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plentiful implies a great or rich supply. // peaches are plentiful this summer

copious

adjective

ˈkō-pē-əs

Definition of copious next

as in lavish

pouring forth in great amounts a copious rush of words just poured out of the two friends who hadn't seen each other in years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective copious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copious are abundant, ample, and plentiful. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness.

copious examples of bureaucratic waste

How do abundant and plentiful relate to one another, in the sense of copious?

Abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful.

streams abundant with fish

When can ample be used instead of copious?

While in some cases nearly identical to copious, ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement.

ample food to last the winter

When is plentiful a more appropriate choice than copious?

The words plentiful and copious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 copious Younger audiences, especially millennials and Gen Z, who are fueling the growth of sound healing, are looking for ways to connect with other people that don’t involve extra late nights and copious amounts of substances. —

Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. —

Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026 Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. —

Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026 Throughout the documentary, which features talking head commentary, copious archival footage (even as kids, Mayeri and Hall adored recording their antics on home video), and new interviews, the X-Cetra gals speak openly and honestly about their friendships and the early years that fostered them. —

Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious

Adjective

Vertical’s lavish Saudi-shot epic Desert Warrior opened to $472k on 1,010 screens.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026
Mountainaire, an eleven-person luxury cabin in Hampshire County along the North River, is the picture of rustic elegance; enjoy lavish meals at the French farm table, light fires in the outdoor fireplace, and snuggle into your vintage four-poster iron bed.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026