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

One fan who sent Wickers a card enclosed a copy of a photo of him posing with Wickers when the fan was a little boy. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

But that friction became even more apparent over the weekend with Branscomb’s letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Hill. —Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025

Verb

Some may choose to copy the United Airlines idea of giving two different forecasts for 2025, while others may abstain from making public projections altogether. —Jesse Pound, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2025

Australia has passed legislation that will ban under-16s from having social media accounts by the end of this year, a law that could be copied elsewhere. —Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing copy

• carbon copy