Definition of copyistnext
1
as in imitator
a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way she prides herself on being an innovator in fashion, and not a mere copyist

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2
as in scribe
one who writes from dictation or copies manuscripts some scholars argue that the vexing passage reflects a misreading of the text by an early copyist

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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 copyist Copying is part of a long tradition in art history, especially at the Louvre, which has maintained a copyists’ bureau since its founding in 1793. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 The watercolor was recently rejected by specialists in 2020, who believe the copyist worked from a photograph of the work that was first published in 1904. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 4 Oct. 2024 In an effort to thwart copyists, together these purist designers showed after the scheduled Fashion Week—and this was back when editors were still sailing to Paris from New York. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023 But her intention has been to draw inspiration and insight from each, without being a copyist. Jon Garelick, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Nov. 2022 Grishman is a music copyist for Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater, who works closely with composers, orchestrators and players. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copyist
Noun
  • No wonder More had so many imitators, who set about busily redrawing their own maps of the world.
    Carline Tromp, The Dial, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That’s because success begets imitators eager to compete away profits.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Helen Mirren plays the very real Ripley scribe in the upcoming film A Talent for Murder.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Socrates had the same fear about the act of writing, scribes had the same fear about Gutenberg’s printing press, and John Saxon had the same fear about the calculator.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Today, Richards has 790,000 followers on Instagram, a Sunday Times bestselling book (The Anti-Inflammatory 30-day Reset), and wellness community called Found.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Pierre’s Instagram business account for her viral Japanese milk-bread cinnamon rolls boasts over 153,000 followers.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • After Davis’ single appearance, Anne Baxter would step in as the matriarch of the series (as a new character), an ironic echo of Baxter’s Eve ambitiously attempting to usurp Davis’ Margo in the classic All About Eve.
    Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The echoes of his shot died away and the jungle was as still as a grave.
    Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copyist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copyist. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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