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 Did drinking copious quantities of beer ever get better press? — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 The world’s second largest economy has also weathered the historic energy crunch triggered by the conflict better than many of its neighbors – in particular due to its copious strategic oil reserves and embrace of green tech and electric vehicles. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 That means for now, SpaceX could pay for copious capex sans too much dilution. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 June 2026 The rooms Lined up along a boardwalk, the standalone rooms comprise copious indoor and outdoor space. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious

Adjective

All the gold is gone, and there’s barely enough to pay her soldiers, let alone throw a lavish coronation.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
In 2018, the pair were married at a lavish ceremony in Windsor.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

For those below, these coastal areas offer young sharks warm water, abundant food and relative safety during one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives.

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
When nutrients are abundant, plants may forgo the partnership.

— Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Definition of abundant

Adjective

Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Within seconds of arriving, we were checked in, and our luggage was tagged and whisked away, giving us ample time to use the bathroom and enjoy a cup of coffee in the lounge.

— Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of ample

Adjective

Many foresters and fire ecologists argue the plentiful baby conifers behind Reichardt’s home will struggle to compete with the fast-growing shrubs for sunlight, water and soil nutrients.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Iced tea—now a southern summer staple—originated in the north, where ice was more plentiful.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026

Definition of plentiful

Adjective

Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.

— Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Black residents of the city have expressed fear of harassment and concerns about trading high crime for excessive policing.

— Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Northern Region For those up north, July is the month of lush gardens, bountiful blooms, and enjoyable evenings outdoors.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Nothing beats harvesting fresh fruit from your backyard, and one way to ensure a bountiful harvest is by pruning your fruit trees.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026

Definition of bountiful

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

Definition of riotous

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“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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