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 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 Between copious hits from a vape, relaxing in his home office in rural Pennsylvania, McNeil talks about the strange process of writing about his own punk rock life for a change. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 15 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 That said, several freelancers that charge steep fees have copious positive reviews. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious

Adjective

The deep crimson drapes, white tablecloths, and understated gold accents at T’ang evoke a lavish Chinese mansion.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
As a whole, the ballet’s arc can feel unfocussed, arhythmic—some parts overstuffed with action, others failing to fill with expressive movement Joby Talbot’s lavish score.

— Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

Though local talent is abundant, there are few resources to develop homegrown IP.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
By ditching expensive cobalt and nickel for cheap, abundant iron, automakers lower costs while creating a battery that is safer and less prone to fire.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of abundant

Adjective

For the film, Cowan dug into the idea of the modern debutante dress, looking to the annual Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris for inspiration, while working in ample femininity and polish.

— Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Observers say that even with ample power, Beijing’s vision has its limits.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of ample

Adjective

Elsewhere in the store, staff were busy stocking shelves, and most products were in plentiful supply.

— JOHN LEICESTER, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Fraser is not alone in picking his second right away; Alex makes Matt his lead deckhand, given his plentiful experience.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of plentiful

Adjective

During their interviews, Haddock said the researchers found a lack of recognition by firefighters that their consumption levels were considered excessive.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Inland, southern San Bernardino County faces at least a 40% chance of excessive rain that could result in flash flooding through Saturday night, said Julie Phillipson, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

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
Adéla draws from the Britney Spears playbook on the track and ends up with a riotous song destined for Top 40 dominance.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of riotous

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“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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