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

Examples 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 There was also copious swag for the kids, including Glinda and Elphaba Barbie dolls and Funko! Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2024 Chunky sweaters, knit hats and fluffy slippers are all items that can be worn while eating copious amounts of pasta. Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The harrowing true story of the lions, which raided tents in the camp at night and dragged victims into the thicket, has inspired movies and books over the years — and copious research to understand what drove them to prey on humans. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024 Some supermassive black holes do come with copious X-rays. Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for copious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • Target shoppers have the opportunity to snag deals on everyday essentials to more lavish gifts.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The video, which showcases the creator's Cavalier King Charles spaniel taking pride of place at a lavish dinner spread, resplendent in a glittery crown, has been viewed more than 6.5 million times.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In one of these observations, Booth and her colleagues found abundant methanol (opens a new tab) within a nearby planet-forming disk.
    Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
  • While design details vary among the units, marble bathrooms and abundant natural light are a commonality.
    Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The studio is now an artist’s dream, with two kilns, ample space to work, storage and a dedicated area where Hsiao can pack her orders.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
  • With ample savings, happy retirees tend not to retire until the mortgage is paid off or the end is at least within sight.
    Wes Moss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • So do lower speed limits, plentiful speed cameras, and consistent enforcement.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Blood is a plentiful source of protein-building amino acids, but those typically only account for around 10% of the fuel used by mammals during exercise.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • For many years, it was renowned for being a major party destination, known for excessive drinking, the easy availability of drugs and river tubing linked to a string of fatalities.
    Isaac Yee, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
  • While never approaching the emotional impact of the Russell Crowe-led original epic, Scott brings the busy sequel (sharks and even an irritable rhino gets thrown in the mix) to gory, excessive CGI heights.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • Snow Cone is unlike others, smothered in small but profuse white blooms.
    Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 27 May 2021
Adjective
  • Tourists have been slower to return, and for now the park is in the goldilocks zone, beautiful, bountiful and peaceful.
    Holden Frith, The Week UK, theweek, 26 Oct. 2024
  • Best Early Black Friday Beauty Deals at Ulta Beauty Don't sleep on early Ulta Beauty's Black Friday deals—both bountiful and buyable.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • But mainly it is known for the riotous setting off of fireworks, increasingly in defiance of local bans.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024
  • The Borough will be reviewing and revising plans for public events given this new riotous trend.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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