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 The vessel’s profile shows clean lines, copious glass across four decks, pools, and a silver hull. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2025 Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025 That certainly rings true for Nomad founder Brad Davis, who sports copious body art and has the vibe of an energetic Portland entrepreneur. William Roberson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Today, copious evidence shows that vaccination protects both mother and child. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • One of the most lavish items in the collection actually survived the heist, though it was reportedly damaged when the thieves were interrupted by guards and dropped the piece to flee.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The lavish palette consists of golds and purples, along with layered textures that glow against the desert light.
    David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ride-sharing services like Uber and taxis are abundant in Palma, but become unreliable at the farther reaches of the island.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The team is exploring its use in sodium-ion batteries, an alternative to lithium-ion technology because sodium is more abundant.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The cushioned sole and interior padding also provide ample arch support for all-day comfort.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Once plentiful natural gas exports have plummeted, inflation is at a 40-year high, and fuel is scarce.
    Reuters 3 min ago, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In five years, the Academy Museum Gala has blossomed from the mishmash of style seen on its opening night in 2021 to a polished evening of haute couture, bespoke tuxedos and plentiful high jewelry, all served up on a blue carpet that was a new addition to the annual fundraiser.
    Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The thunderstorms could also bring excessive rainfall in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and southern Illinois, bringing a risk of flash flooding, the weather service said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • There are risks of severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall on Saturday from the Ozarks into the mid-Mississippi River Valley with potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
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
  • The hope for gold-producing nations like Ghana is to responsibly leverage this bountiful natural resource without falling prey to environmental degradation and civil strife.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Use fresh or faux flowers to create a bountiful addition to your door.
    Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Dating Game, the Sundance documentary by Violet Du Feng that’s received a riotous welcome on the festival circuit, is set in China where eligible men vastly outnumber women.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Reid’s score alternates between rhapsody and pandemonium, with the latter winning out in a riotous coda.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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