Definition of copynext

copy

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to reproduce
to make an exact likeness of for the movie, set designers copied the Oval Office in the White House down to the smallest detail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior she shamelessly copies her idol's hairstyle and fashion choices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun copy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copy are duplicate, facsimile, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When might duplicate be a better fit than copy?

While the synonyms duplicate and copy are close in meaning, duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When would facsimile be a good substitute for copy?

The words facsimile and copy can be used in similar contexts, but facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would replica be a reasonable alternative to copy?

Although the words replica and copy have much in common, replica implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details, but not always in the same scale.

a replica of the Mayflower
miniature replicas of classic cars

In what contexts can reproduction take the place of copy?

The words reproduction and copy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

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 copy
Noun
Consistency builds recognition; nuance builds relevance, because copy-and-paste is a function, not a go-to-market strategy. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Volunteers are also encouraged to submit a volunteer waiver online before the event, but paper copies will be available on the day of the cleanup as well. Alison Gibson, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
Prescriptions are not always as simple as copying one number into a box. Emma Clapp, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 Don Quijote’s tax-free infrastructure and inbound-tourist experiences are a template other chains can copy. Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • The exhibition is mostly screens, projections and reproductions, with a handful of great works from the 16th and 17th centuries and feels superficial at times.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • These reproductions are surprisingly effective, partly because the tapestry was made by many hands to begin with, and free embroidery is not an art of finesse.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That copying, by providing a way to reproduce and evolve, could have then kicked off the beginning of life.
    Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
  • To prove their point, Forte and Otoleva attempted to reproduce the aural and visual conditions of the tombs in their day.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The ’90s — its music, its films, its pre-social-media privacy — has become an object of fascination, and Long argues the era can’t be imitated or counterfeited.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Over the weekend, movie-theater chain AMC Entertainment accused Robinhood of creating an unauthorized market that imitates trading in AMC shares through its overseas platform without the company’s approval.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Just then, the strains of a familiar song wafted across the store, and Valencia and Zegarra followed it, past a Lightning McQueen replica, to a tiny area where a half-dozen child-size chairs were arranged before a screen.
    Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Accompanied by some technology — radars, satellite phones and whatnot — and a volleyball replica of Wilson from Castaway, Tez spent weeks in the Pacific with pods of dolphins, friendly seagulls and his own thoughts.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But its experience has proven easier to admire than to replicate.
    Karyn Sporer, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The Alliance describes its role not as processing the global waste stream itself, but as developing and de-risking systems that governments, investors and waste companies can replicate.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Schofield suggested that Harry and Markle consider emulating the example set by William and Middleton.
    Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This dovetails with Enzo’s desire to emulate classic French movie star style, his favorite being Jean Gabin.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There are plenty of jump scares, to be sure, but also hilarious moments that play like deadpan one-liners rendered in visual terms.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • According to new Gallup polling, 27% of US workers worry that technology will render their jobs obsolete, a new high.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Seattle Seahawks have gotten an offseason full of congratulations, their Super Bowl rings and now will get the chance to see the banner raised before kicking off this season with hopes of repeating.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But repeating 14-3 and a trip to the Super Bowl feels highly unlikely with the Patriots having a much tougher schedule and needing to plug holes up front on defense.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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