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

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

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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 Experts warn that massive constellations could be incredibly ecologically damaging, releasing copious amounts of atmospheric pollution and risking damage to the ozone layer. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026 The Shark Club serves all of the above, plus copious quantities of the usual chicken wings, burgers, nachos and brunch items on weekends. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026 These are bright and turbulent regions powered by central engine supermassive black holes with masses of millions or even billions of times that of the sun that are feeding on copious amounts of gas and dust. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026 The market has already shown a voracious appetite for companies demonstrating copious free cash flows at a time when it's become scarce. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious

Adjective

Crime, courts and policing A Glendale Botox doctor used $45 million in Medicare money to fund her lavish lifestyle, feds say.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
But in the late 1800s, the city’s draw was healing mineral springs, not IPAs, which is why George Vanderbilt built his lavish 250-room French Renaissance chateau here.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

That is because magmatic gases like hydrogen chloride would have been more abundant in the past, creating a thicker Martian atmosphere and warmer climate.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Lithium grabs the spotlight, but cheap and abundant sodium has long held the key to large-scale energy storage.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of abundant

Adjective

There are two communal tubs with sauna and cold plunge features—one for mixed bathing, and one for women only—four private tubs, and ample opportunities for such treatments as salt scrubs, thai massages, hot stone massage, and foot soaks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
The large side patio has ample seating and umbrellas, plus string lighting that sets the atmosphere at night.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of ample

Adjective

The lack of transparency in the incentives’ application process, alongside excessive bureaucracy and uncertainty, remain issues, although Japanese industry folk have similar complaints about applying for export support.

— Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
The Wolf of Wall Street, the Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie movie about Belfort’s wild and excessive life as a New York stockbroker and boiler room boss, was released through Paramount Pictures.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Tafari’s Kitchen and the Mahalia Jackson Café at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago serve beautiful, bountiful food and — despite long lines and struggling service — a sense of wondrousness and unwavering hope.

— Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
The luxury emporium has maintained its status as among the most elegant stores in the world, through both bountiful and challenging times.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of bountiful

Adjective

After a brief intermission, Toliver and Todd emerged onstage to riotous applause, hiking up the decibel levels in the room.

— Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
The riotous 640-page doorstopper grapples with homophobia then and now, the lingering specter of colonialism, the tumult of the AIDS crisis, and frameworks of power that demand dominance or submission.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of riotous

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“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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