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
Her works have been translated into over 25 languages and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 30 July 2026 An unencrypted master copy of the movie was in one of several drives that were stolen from Netflix’s office last month. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Verb
An analysis published by No Latency earlier this month found the same behavior for living authors but found ChatGPT complied with style-copying requests for deceased authors. Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026 To be moved off that list, Aiyuk must first submit a letter to the NFL player personnel department, addressing it to commissioner Roger Goodell and copying the 49ers, to request reinstatement to the team’s active list. Matt Barrows, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • As a result, this could cause diminished reproduction cycles for the whales.
    Pat Mueller, USA Today, 20 July 2026
  • Studies show warmer winters have also extended their reproduction period and reduced cold fatalities.
    Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • The fish eat invasive weeds but don’t reproduce, leading to annual fish stocking.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • The method generates complex patterns that are difficult for classical systems to reproduce.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Rather than chasing architectural trends or attempting to imitate newer competitors, the Rose Bowl has embraced a strategy rooted in financial discipline, adaptive reuse and authentic placemaking.
    Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Vegan versions come from sources like ginseng, seaweed, rice or rose and are created through biotechnology to imitate rather than replicate the original molecule.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • To make access easier, there is no need to log in to view the digital replica of the newspaper.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • New York's Fashion Workers Act separately requires written consent before creating or using an AI digital replica of a model.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • In this context, replicating reputation management by political methods could prove perilous.
    Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • There’s power in numbers, and the Hurricanes will be relying on their numbers to have a chance at replicating the kind of success that Bain and Mesidor had last season.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Some people go through traumatic events and tend to either emulate the behavior later in life or avoid it and go in the opposite direction.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • There's also the company's TrueSpatial 3D tech which pairs with head tracking hardware to emulate the experience of hearing powerful speakers directing sound towards you across a wider soundstage for greater immersion.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • And that Grayson discouraged his fellow deputy from rendering aid.
    Jerry Nowicki, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Countless vigilantes have taken to the roadways armed with trash bags, spray paint, laser pointers, and power drills to render the surveillance poles useless, resulting in arrests and investigations by police.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • This summer will not repeat the last, where 14 new players arrived at a cost of £170million ($228m) to ruthlessly overhaul a promotion-winning squad.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The same graphic is repeated on the Baggy Utility Shorts, Loose Jeans and Straight Jeans as embroidery on their coin pockets.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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