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 Horseback riding, tennis and falcon encounters fill the bill back on terra firma, as well as copious hiking trails just steps from your outdoor patio, with views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse and the Terranea Sea Salt Conservatory. David Weiss, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Power is the lifeblood of data centers, but data centers aren’t plug-and-play operations, requiring copious amounts of electricity for computing power and fans to keep the infrastructure cool. Kevin Williams, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025 Johnson is shown on a toilet seat, presumably after a shower, rubbing copious amounts of shea butter onto his skin while the voice of American talk-show host Smiley plays in the background. Yinka Elujoba, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 Two of the show’s three directors were still around, with four cutting rooms open, and editor (and brother) John Gilroy running from room to room oversee the other Gilroy’s copious notes. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • However, prosecutors at the time said the brothers’ motive was greed and cited their lavish spending spree after the slayings.
    Nicole Acosta, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • The attorney defending Diddy on charges that stem from lavish parties filled with alcohol actually leads a clean lifestyle.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Roses are celebrated for their exceptional fragrance, abundant varieties, and season-long blooms—and now, there’s one with a royal pedigree.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
  • Locales that can provide the cheapest, abundant energy while possessing tech-savvy human capital for data centers and tech companies will be at a huge advantage.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • There are going to be ample chances for young linebackers on Denver’s offseason roster to see the field this summer.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Boston dispatched Orlando in five games, giving the Celtics ample rest while New York continues to battle through a grueling opening round.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The fruit is plentiful but, as Iwasama points out, not especially tasty.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
  • In scenarios like these, where conditions are beneficial to breeding and nesting, and habitat is plentiful, hunters can take a relatively large number of birds without impacting populations.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The lawsuit argues the incident is part of a larger pattern of excessive force by deputies.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • Among its findings were that Banks used excessive force and falsely imprisoned Myles; that Banks’ use of his dog violated Myles’ Fourth Amendment rights; that Banks and the county were both negligent; and that the county violated Myles’ civil rights by failing to properly train and supervise Banks.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Dodgers officials, however, have been profuse in their praise of Betts since the start of the season.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
Adjective
  • Meals are a bountiful affair, shared in the main lounge or served on your private terrace.
    Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • The potential is ripe for another bountiful period in West Paw’s business; however, 2025 is not expected to be a rinse-and-repeat of the pandemic sales boom for two primary reasons, Williams noted.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The production, which opened at the James Earl Jones Theater on Sunday, boasts a heartfelt and riotous book by Lisa Loomer and Nell Benjamin, and delightful music from Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Across the week, the brand presented Friendly Pressure: Studio One, a cultural program that featured talks, live music sessions, and what became some pretty riotous evening DJ sets in the cosy, intimate setting.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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