Definition of copiousnext

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 Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2026 By extension, the copious amount of money that flowed to college football is what made a player’s time on campus plush, but that also kept players in good standing economically long after their collegiate (and NFL, if fortunate) playing days ended. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Artificial intelligence is being integrated for copious tasks including but not limited to data analytics, picking merchandise in warehouses, orchestrating last-mile delivery, planning fabric cutting, customer service and product recommendations and discovery. Sj Staff, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 Several sequences are candy-colored, and many are filled with copious amounts of actual brand-name candy. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • The lavish €6,000 ($6,900) a night Villa Igiea — a Rocco Forte property where the newlyweds and several guests stayed — was a film set for the HBO series.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • Ultimately Kim is likely to give Xi a grand and lavish welcome at the symbolic level, but China may not be able to extract much from an increasingly confident Kim, experts say.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • When farmers implemented regenerative techniques, the yield was more abundant, and the soil was full of microbial life.
    Special to The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
  • The highlight of your month arrives on June 9, when Venus and Jupiter align in your sign in one of the most abundant and feel-good transits of the year.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The space is chic but cozy, with ample table space, soft chairs, and a visually stunning bar anchoring it all.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • With its dozens of screens and ample space, parties are welcome.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Castine, Maine Pristine sandy beaches like Wadsworth Cove might be scarce in this small waterfront village, but Castine makes up for it with a rich seafaring history and plentiful water activities.
    Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
  • Ergonomics are excellent, storage for small items is abundant, and charging ports are plentiful throughout the cabin.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • The federal government's warning about the dangers of excessive screen time is sending shockwaves through households and classrooms alike, drawing comparisons to public health crises of the past.
    La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Social media users have documented taking excessive amounts of diphenhydramine in an attempt to overcome the medication's drowsy effects and experience a euphoric feeling.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Definitely don’t be overly profuse or attempt to be complicated in whatever your request is.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The narratively profuse mystery game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is like living in a Bikini Kill song followed by a Phoebe Bridgers ballad.
    Harold Goldberg, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • To encourage a steady flow of fruit, ensure the tree has a compatible pollinator such as a Gala or Fuji apple tree within 50 feet, as this will ensure proper pollination for bountiful harvests.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026
  • The top basin is perfect for holding water, while the bottom basin can be used for bountiful blooms.
    Brittany VanDerBill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shocking video captured the moments anti-ICE agitators were arrested outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, Friday, during riotous confrontations.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
  • Earnest and Anolik discuss Babitz’s captivating persona and the strange course of her life, from New York to Los Angeles and from riotous success to anonymity.
    Lili Anolik, The New York Review of Books, 27 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on copious

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster