copy 1 of 2

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
CalMatters also sought copies of the search warrant from Sacramento County Superior Court and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Calmatters, Mercury News, 20 June 2025 The series, which has a robust social media following, has sold more than three million copies between paperback and audiobooks. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 June 2025
Verb
Responses come with one-click buttons below them for copying a response to your clipboard or regenerating it, but there isn’t a similar option for sharing a response like there is with ChatGPT and Gemini. PC Magazine, 18 June 2025 Sometimes the scribes received pagan texts to copy. Bernd Roeck june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • The drivers are housed in an acoustic chamber that is purpose-built to optimize human voice reproduction so it’s suited to vocals, podcasts, audiobooks and expressive music.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Neem oil may also interfere with insect reproduction.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • In ideal conditions, flies reproduce in less than a week, says Oi.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
  • With the ability to reproduce an actor’s exact facial performance with little to no input from an animator, Dorothy can shoot 48 frames a second.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • In a clever flex of corporate synergy, Apple promoted its first summer blockbuster with the release of a haptic trailer that imitates the purr of an F1 engine in the palms of your hands.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 June 2025
  • Fortunately, Lehane is a great enough crime author to be able to imitate a terrible one(*), and being more overt about that helps to better establish who Dave is.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Its rebirth began as a digital model in The Golf Club video game and was brought to life in the sandy soil of central Wisconsin—now a near-exact replica.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • In collaboration with The Intel Lab, Orion Intel created a 3D replica of the plant.
    Jeff Goertzen, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • By embedding brand activations into the live environment, marketing partners aligned with the PGA Tour’s values while engaging fans in authentic, memorable ways that digital experiences can’t replicate.
    Julio Cesar Gomez, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • For Bailey, that includes connection, empathy, and presence, qualities that no algorithm can replicate.
    William Jones, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • In time, the Barmy Army’s move into the travel business would be emulated to allow fans to follow India on tour.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Instead of idolizing sitcom trendsetters, many emulate lifestyle creators who promote capsule wardrobes, skincare routines, and age-appropriate yet refined looks.
    Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Agriculture technology with 3d rendering robot assistant in indoor farm or glasshouse.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Last season also offered up so many reminders that the Mets are liable to render all this hand-wringing and historical perspective moot by late October or early November.
    Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump has repeated long-standing accusations that the Biden White House relied on an autopen to sign presidential pardons, executive orders and other key documents, claiming that its use cast doubt on their validity.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
  • This would be repeated often during the match: in a stoppage for a blow to Federico Valverde to talk to Bellingham, in the breaks for hydration to help other players or with Tchouameni during the process of reviewing a penalty decision.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on copy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!