Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective copious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copious are abundant, ample, and plentiful. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness.

copious examples of bureaucratic waste

How do abundant and plentiful relate to one another, in the sense of copious?

Abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful.

streams abundant with fish

When can ample be used instead of copious?

While in some cases nearly identical to copious, ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement.

ample food to last the winter

When is plentiful a more appropriate choice than copious?

The words plentiful and copious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plentiful implies a great or rich supply.

peaches are plentiful this summer

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 copious Unfortunately, more often than not, that clarity comes through speechifying, minor-key tirades and copious use of ’50s-era TV clips that make plain the all-too-obvious parallels between then and now. Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025 Skarsgard gives a lively reading to the copious voice-over, but just as important is his physical performance, which radiates casual power and agitated wariness. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 14 May 2025 So Harvey, fresh out of dealing with his copious Mommy issues and realizing he’s done wasting time on regret, gets down on one knee. Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 9 May 2025 During these encounters, Ventura alleged she was supplied copious amounts of alcohol and illicit substances, including Ecstasy, ketamine, GHB and cocaine. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • From cultish family dynamics to whodunits set in lavish locales, here are 12 shows fans of Sirens should add to their watch list.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Zaya recently turned 18 and had a lavish birthday ball to celebrate the milestone age.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Within the rock samples, researchers saw traces of a silver-gray metal about as rare as gold that was likely more abundant in Earth’s early building materials when the core developed about 4.5 billion years ago.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure to skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissue.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Inside and out, there’s ample space to unwind, and the villas have direct access to a serene river pool.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
  • Even with two All-Star aces as probables, we should be treated to ample offense this weekend.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Malibu rum drinks were plentiful, the piles of pink sand underneath the beach chairs were pristine, and coolers full of sunscreen were stocked and bountiful.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
  • Bobcats are secretive, rarely seen predators that most often live in the foothills, canyons, mesa and plateaus where brush and woodland are plentiful, according to CPW.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Botox effectively treats hyperhidrosis by blocking the nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
  • Manson warns, however, that excessive amounts of vitamin D can lead to a higher calcium level in blood and urine, and some calcification may occur in the blood vessels and in the soft tissue.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The narratively profuse mystery game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is like living in a Bikini Kill song followed by a Phoebe Bridgers ballad.
    Harold Goldberg, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Dodgers officials, however, have been profuse in their praise of Betts since the start of the season.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
Adjective
  • From blackberries to blueberries to peaches, the property is bountiful in the summertime.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
  • The merch is bountiful, with over 100 items currently listed on the Disney Store website, never mind the knock-offs.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Devil May Cry Perhaps the show most tonally opposite to The Last of Us on this list, Netflix’s Devil May Cry is a riotous, colorful blast of punk energy.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 26 May 2025
  • Who needs a pastiche of prints and riotous colors when these more harmonious shades play so well together?
    Tom Stubbs, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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