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

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
My copy has stars all over the margins. Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026 Released in 2011, the album is considered one of the best in his repertoire, selling over 10 million copies and earning him a Grammy. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Supporting documentation that can’t be made ADA-compliant won’t be included, but will be available for the public to look at or to be copied upon request. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 The ad’s time slot copied the example a fast-food pioneer, Royal Castle, and Burger King later replaced the older chain after that company decided to leave another kids’ show. Steve Patterson, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • For classics that lack CAD designs, the cars can be scanned to make computer models for reproduction.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The Uncertainty Factor for the Grizzly Bear Cubs FWP researcher Cecily Costello noted that the timing of the birth aligns with typical grizzly reproduction patterns, as females generally have their first cubs between ages five and six.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Data can be generated at near-unlimited scale, including rare or dangerous scenarios that are hard to reproduce in reality.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This article originally appeared in Spektrum der Wissenschaft and was reproduced with permission.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Then comes that particular way of speaking so well imitated by comedians Armando Roblan and Eddy Calderón during long seasons in Calle Ocho theaters and on Miami radio.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Both of us remember childhood weekends spent recording our own camcorder sketch shows — Lee imitating Dana Carvey’s Ross Perot and Molly Shannon’s Mary Catherine Gallagher, Jenn pushing the boundaries of absurdism far past the point of actually getting laughs.
    Lee Kelly, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Under guidance issued by the state, replica firearms are not considered deadly weapons.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Once inside, at least three graffiti writers whose names were blasted on the replica pointed it out proudly, even gave out stickers to take home.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That aspiration was a kind of geopolitical superpower that no missile silo could replicate.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Their influence will need to be replicated elsewhere.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Haliburton then emulated Miller by making the same choke gesture after his bouncing, buzzer-beating long 2-pointer forced overtime in Game 1 of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals — a game, and series, the Pacers would go on to win.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • With its citizen-friendly design and forward-looking engineering approach, this might be one for other countries to emulate in the years to come.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The two teams were scheduled to play in a rematch Tuesday in Oak Lawn but the game was postponed by a late afternoon storm that rendered the baseball field unplayable.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Some of the company's changes have sparked debate, particularly around its use of beef tallow, which is fat rendered from cows.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Strawberries, sugar, lemon, and lime juice create the base layer with the same repeated by substituting blueberries for the top layer, while the middle is an ice cream-like custard.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Hammering the Color Palette Using too many colors (and over-repeating them) can cause visual overwhelm, which can read as clutter.
    Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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