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 Despite the copious downpour that led to flooding across many parts of the country in the last two weeks, India still faces the prospect of a deficient monsoon this year. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 July 2026 Of late, tech companies have been collecting copious amounts of user data because such real-world data can help improve the accuracy and performance of their AI models. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026 To reiterate, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok and other frontier models were trained on copious amounts of text and images. Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 This loving, anguished memorial movie includes copious clips of Adrian from the director’s earlier films and from home movies. Marina Harss, New Yorker, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • Retired tech executive David Cancel and scientist Amanda Cirello recently celebrated their lavish wedding on Isola del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • With more than 1,500 stylish rooms and suites, including lavish specialty and presidential accommodations, the iconic oceanfront resort seamlessly blends timeless glamour with modern luxury.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Along the Adriatic coast, once abundant with mussels, nearly all have died off because of the sea temperatures that at times have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Basic necessities—dairy, rice, staples where supply is abundant and quality reliable—have become a hunt for the best price.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Compared to the more compact Leven Deli, where tourists and downtown employees meet for lunch and coffee, the newer Leven Supply has ample room to wander and find food to take to a picnic, potluck or cookout.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 July 2026
  • The bottoms have zippered pockets on the hips, rear, and thighs, providing ample space for trail snacks.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • No one forces us to perform the role, the financial rewards for those who make the international list are considerable, and for the most part the enjoyment found on the field makes up for the plentiful aggro off it.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 23 July 2026
  • With a representative sample of exoplanets in the galaxy, scientists can more accurately determine if planets like Earth are rare or plentiful.
    Elijah Tan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • However, Leo’s shadow can show up as a mix of defensiveness, entitlement or an excessive attachment to validation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
  • That said, a recent Europe-wide survey by EU-OSHA reveals that concerns about excessive heat are becoming increasingly universal, with one in five workers reporting unhealthy exposure to extreme temperatures and around one in eight to intense sun.
    Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 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
  • 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
  • This book offers scientific guidance on conserving water while still cultivating a bountiful garden.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 23 July 2026
  • The cocktail menu is just as bountiful with concoctions like the Still Hot In Here (tequila, mint, passionfruit, pineapple, and lime) and Purple Rain (gin, beets, honey, lime).
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in.
    Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
  • Guns is an actor and writer, known for her razor-sharp observations and riotous voice.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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