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
Burris also has yet to receive a copy of Alameda County’s autopsy findings. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 The fee for copies of X-rays will increase from $55 to $60. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
Her clip-on ponytail, which quickly became a look fans copied when attending the tour, according to a 1990 edition of PEOPLE's Style Watch. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 There’s no denying that Lola Tung has impeccable style—I’m constantly referencing her fierce street style looks—so copying her accessory of choice feels like a safe move. Irene Richardson, InStyle, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • Laser Projection Benefits Laser projectors offer significantly better image quality than units based on Xenon lamps, offering a higher light output, better color reproduction, greater contrast and an overall more uniform image.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Pollination is crucial to plant reproduction and the wider ecosystem that relies on plants as a food source.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Unlike conventional gaming headsets that primarily separate audio into left and right channels, Spherephones reproduces sound from above, below, behind, and in front of the user.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
  • As for one of the franchise's other biggest mysteries — how the characters reproduce — Coffin has a simple answer.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Here was a government that had explicitly borrowed from Beijing’s developmental playbook and sincerely attempted to imitate it, but failed.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists that imitate a natural hormone in the gut.
    Stephanie Stephens, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The left is reserved for Mediheal, the Korean brand behind the viral Madecassoside Blemish toner pads, with a larger-than-life replica of the cyan box sitting next to the window.
    Shanna Shipin, Allure, 29 June 2026
  • Patrons can enjoy a piece of birthday cake and sign a giant replica of the Declaration of Independence, according to the Arkansas Heritage webpage for the event.
    Jesse Cain, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Yet many could still replicate portions of its economic evolution by broadening participation, encouraging private enterprise, welcoming additional foreign investors, and leveraging competition among outside powers to secure more favorable outcomes.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • After some more tweaking and optimizing, the cell started growing and replicating its DNA.
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Outfits such as The Bespoke Retreat Company, The Nest in Cornwall and Wales’ Coach House Retreat have emulated the solo aspect.
    Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026
  • The driveway boys emulated everybody on those rosters.
    Jason Kirk, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Issues like slow image rendering on mobile devices or videos failing to auto-crop correctly—such as losing the subject when switching between portrait and landscape views—are often perceived as minor.
    Tal Lev-Ami, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Faux snakeskin takes the place of the woven Kevlar panel that usually defines the model, while the long mudguard beneath is rendered in black nubuck.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Itanare, Flores and Luis Freites Arvilla would then take turns appearing to approach the ATM, insert a card and enter a PIN, withdraw cash, and then repeat the process.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • In his letter, Leo repeated the Vatican's offer of dialogue and said that going through with the consecrations would be counterproductive for the SSPX faithful.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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