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
  • Boards can adopt it, investors can ask for it, cities can condition incentives on it, and the companies with the best results have the most to gain from standards, because standards are how leaders get distinguished from imitators.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • That's the real test that will ultimately determine whether the Denza Z is a genuine rival or simply another very fast imitator.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • But what, exactly, will he be ground into—a chef or a scribe?
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Right now, none of Taylor Sheridan’s shows are made in Los Angeles (the scribe also hates the place), but CBS Studios does film NCIS, Matlock and Criminal Minds in the home of Hollywood.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gastélum posted similar content on his Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts, which together had more than 1 million followers.
    Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Edo joined thousands of friends and followers in Eugenie’s comment section, sharing three pink hearts and an angel baby emoji.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Denis sees echoes of that survival strategy in the behavior of Haitians in South Florida and elsewhere across the United States, where many have withdrawn from public view.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The tit-for-tat brings up echoes of last year, when the rivals were locked in a blistering trade war.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copyist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copyist. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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