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
Demand the store manager file an official incident report and get a physical copy for your records. Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 Prosecutors have issued a subpoena seeking copies of all prescription medication records for the legendary golfer at a Palm Beach pharmacy from the start of the year through the end of March. ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
Motion capture data helps the robot copy human movement. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 But core values can’t be copied and pasted. Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • Remember, plants produce flowers as a means of reproduction.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
  • An eBay seller claimed to have Jeffrey Epstein‘s reproduction of a painting by Kees van Dongen, a Dutch painter who became a part of the Fauvist movement in France during the early 20th century.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • And sure, animals such as starfish and flatworms can reproduce by cloning themselves—but at the end of the day, in most species, the survival of animals rests on their mothers.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 May 2026
  • Previous studies investigated several of these features individually, but the new work attempts to reproduce the basin’s shape, crustal asymmetry, and impact direction within a single impact scenario.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Once established, oaks can grow moderately fast if kept watered and then mulched with compost to eliminate competition and imitate forest conditions.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
  • Those cells are highly responsive to mechanical stress—the reason weight-bearing exercise strengthens the skeleton—and the device is designed to imitate that signal through subtle vibration.
    Alice Gregory, Vogue, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The registration desk was a replica of a ticket counter.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
  • Ticket holders who turn out for the early screenings will receive a free, limited-edition replica of the Dustin Hoffman bobblehead from the film, while supplies last.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Craig approaches music the same way, intentionally and with a personal touch geared towards the setting and people that Spotify algorithms can’t replicate.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
  • Reaching that conclusion required somehow replicating the harsh realities of Venus right here on Earth.
    Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • In a passage from the Torah read on the holiest day of the year, God reveals to Moses the part of the divine persona that humans are supposed to emulate.
    Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • The Low Latency Profile appears to be an attempt to emulate this in Windows.
    Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Travertine marble dominates the space with its veined effect rendered in delicate shades for the walls and flooring, or enriched with the backlit FF logo for a bolder outcome.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
  • Although the juror will make the final selections for what’s in the show and who gets awards, Jarvis will render his opinion if asked.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Alyssa Ton of Fountain Valley repeated as the 200 and 500 freestyle champion.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Tom Ryan repeated as coach of the year.
    Josh Krockey, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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