copy 1 of 2

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
Shortly before the holidays in 2024, Emma Thomas — producer, Christopher Nolan‘s wife and the keeper of his secrets — met Himesh Patel in London and handed him a physical copy of a screenplay. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026 That includes bets on player injuries and officiating outcomes, according to a copy of the rules. Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
Verb
The American men’s singles player Frances Tiafoe copied the look last year by sporting a blue headscarf with white polka dots at last year’s Cincinnati Open. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 4 June 2026 The success of local markets in the Bay Area became so talked-about that Los Angeles sent its own city officials up here to learn how to copy it. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • Over time, the theory goes, this will disrupt the reproduction cycle, thereby increasing competition and decreasing the overall population.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026
  • Melious will discuss different types of reproduction found in our trees, the consequences, and management of trees in your own yard.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Their goal is to reproduce a 1919 eclipse experiment that measured how the sun’s gravity bends the light from distant stars and confirmed Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity, according to the Spanish Scientific and Advisory Committee for the Trio of Eclipses.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
  • Star of Bethlehem reproduces through underground bulbs and bulblets.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Another attractive use for machine learning is to train a model to imitate other models.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
  • His use of jocular names for detention centers has been imitated by other Republican governors creating state facilities to be used by ICE.
    Eric Schlosser, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • In Nigerian churches, fans hoisted aloft replica trophies at thanksgiving prayer services.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 29 May 2026
  • Officers detained many of the people in the fight after chasing them down and later found the replica Glock gun, police said.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • While other states, including Colorado and Missouri, have tried to replicate this legendary bike ride, none have matched Iowa.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • From the young, long-haired goalkeeper who appeared in Germany 2006 to the veteran leader who now seeks to cap his career at home, Ochoa has built a career that would be difficult for any Mexican soccer player to replicate.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Sitting courtside in New York City is an experience sung about in Jay-Z tracks and emulated in Hollywood movies, and for that reason, when the basketball game in question is the NBA Finals, the experience can and will cost an ordinary fan unimaginable sums of money.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 June 2026
  • Response Has Been a Model for Others With its SG Clean initiative, Singapore created a template for COVID-19 responsiveness that other destinations have emulated, leading the way into a post-pandemic future.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Sometimes, this means an actual death is rendered on the page, but not always.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • However, the after-effects of the fire — smoke damage in staff areas, and the sprinkler system needing to be reset — rendered the building temporarily unsafe for people or animals.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • People left theaters repeating lines, sharing jokes, and reliving scenes with their fam.
    Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 6 June 2026
  • Richard Pryor, a Bruce acolyte, eventually concluded after a visit to Africa in 1979 that repeating the n-word hadn’t diluted it at all.
    Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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