Synonyms of copy

copy 1 of 2

noun

ˈkä-pē 

as in reproduction

something that is made to look exactly like something else

a copy of the famous painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reproduction
• replica
• version
• duplicate
• imitation
• facsimile
• clone
• replication
• carbon copy
• carbon
• duplication
• dupe
• mock
• dummy
• print
• reconstruction
• reduplication
• simulation
• miniature
• forgery
• counterfeit
• image
• rubber stamp
• fake
• impression
• knockoff
• phoney
• spare
• mock-up
• rip-off
• semblance
• likeness
• imprint
• re-creation
• reincarnation
• approximation
• sham
• phony
• extra
• reserve
• shadow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prototype
• original
• archetype

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

• reproduce
• replicate
• render
• duplicate
• imitate
• clone
• reconstruct
• reduplicate
• copycat
• simulate
• forge
• counterfeit
• mimic
• fake
• rip off
• re-create
• knock off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• create
• imagine
• originate
• initiate
• invent

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

• imitate
• emulate
• repeat
• mimic
• mock
• parody
• mime
• ape
• play
• echo
• perform
• copycat
• ditto
• caricature
• lampoon
• reecho
• impersonate
• burlesque
• travesty
• pantomime

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

Recent Examples of copy

Noun

For anyone not desperate to grab hold of a physical copy in their pajamas, all these editions are also up for normal presale on the chain’s website. —Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025

Swifties, get ready to line up at midnight to score a copy of Taylor Swift‘s The Life of a Showgirl. —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025

Verb

Patents provide a crucial incentive by giving creators exclusive rights to their inventions for a set period, ensuring that others cannot simply copy and profit from their hard work. —Kenneth Braithwaite, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025

Hundreds of parents commented, with many taking up Wachter's offer to copy it for their own kids. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing copy

• carbon copy