copying

present participle of copy
1
as in reproducing
to make an exact likeness of for the movie, set designers copied the Oval Office in the White House down to the smallest detail

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2
as in imitating
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

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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 copying Even more concerning, the fake installer shows one command on the screen while secretly copying another. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Founder Yang Tao said the goal extends beyond copying human anatomy. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026 Warui told Semafor that Renaissance Capital was copying the KPC blueprint for the Dangote IPO — with an online platform for share purchases during the offer period, and trading on the M-Pesa platform expected once it is listed on the NSE. — semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Rather than simply copying that, but with a slab of batteries under the cabin, the Fiat Multiplay explores the idea of a vehicle that’s adaptable, transforming from a three-row people carrier to a pickup. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026 The company said a self-copying AI built on small models would spread slowly, with the number of infected devices doubling every few days, but would be hard to stamp out once loose. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 The boutique-hotel model was born, and luxury hospitality has been copying the formula ever since. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The process starts with the official voter guide, then suggests copying the exact language of a measure into an AI chatbot and asking for a plain-English explanation. — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 But copying human anatomy makes the hands heavier, and LinkerBot concedes that fingertip force is modest. — New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copying
Verb
  • Turning chemical signals into digital instructions Recreating smell presents a different challenge from reproducing images or sound.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The likelier explanation, Seth said, is that the models have absorbed a great deal of information about how humans describe and respond to pain and are reproducing it.
    — Shae Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than simply imitating the brain with silicon chips, the approach uses actual neurons to perform computational work.
    — Mike McRae October 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI denied intentionally imitating Johansson’s voice and later withdrew the feature.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Halo 4, 5, and Infinite used sci-fi nonsense to transform him into this larger-than-life figure, rendering the rest of the UNSC largely powerless in the process.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier this year, Alta began powering all AI within Rent the Runway’s app—and Rent the Runway saw a 35% increase in engagement after integrating Alta’s styling and rendering capabilities.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There are also two shallow soaking pools to enjoy—one acts as a wave pool, emulating the rocking of the ship.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • AeroSHARK achieves a similar effect by emulating nature's design.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than replicating the formula of an international luxury chain, Elegance has built its reputation on intimate hotels that celebrate Vietnamese hospitality, thoughtful design, and sense of place.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • His work is crisp, playful, and nostalgic, replicating the exact fonts and presentations of centuries-old stylings for businesses and public parks alike.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Microbial fibers trap sand particles ​In this study, scientists used microbial cells that produce cellulose, a naturally occurring biopolymer made of repeating glucose units.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Tusk’s warning against repeating other countries’ mistakes reinforces a similar political message.
    — Tyler Speicher, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Engineering is done once, allowing the second team to focus its efforts on new initiatives instead of duplicating work.
    — Andy Zosel, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The country plans to expand LNG capacity from 77 million tons per year to 142 million by 2030, and duplicating that infrastructure isn’t feasible.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copying. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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