Definition of copiousnext

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 The American Gaethje then stunned Spanish-Georgian Topuria to win after four rounds that left copious blood on the cage floor. Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 Although peak performance continues to improve, the models also churn out copious amounts of garbage as a by-product, requiring heroic interventions to sift sense from slop. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 Chef Rachel Miller has created a truly unique experience of Vietnamese fusion with copious amounts of New England seafood in a dark room lined with tropical fronds. Tanya Edwards, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026 Residents are packing themselves into local county meetings in incredible numbers and calling on their representatives to oppose gargantuan data center projects, developments that could cause electricity prices to spike, drain water supplies, and generate copious amounts of noise. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • The pop star, 30, and actor, 36, tied the knot at an intimate civil wedding in London on May 31 before having a second, more lavish and picturesque wedding on a Sicilian island on June 6.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • While the exterior is simple and white-washed, the interior is like a lavish country estate, owing to the esteemed design eye of Pierre-Yves Rochon.
    Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Would customers still choose us if intelligence itself became abundant and cheap?
    Carl Fritjofsson, Fortune, 19 June 2026
  • Of course, few of us look out at the world with a clear understanding of how abundant rewards are.
    Veronique Greenwood, Time, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a pantheon that the Heat in no way hope next includes Antetokounmpo, there already have been ample letdowns.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026
  • Gold and Beyond attorney Marc Cook said his client exhibited patience with Mayweather, giving him ample time to pay for the watch.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, USB-C ports are plentiful, and Nissan has managed to maintain a mostly intuitive user experience.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 June 2026
  • While some beaches remain wide and sand is plentiful, other beaches need human help — and when beach nourishment projects don’t happen, impacts become apparent.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Too much iron can be dangerous, and excessive vitamin D may lead to high calcium levels and other complications.
    Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 18 June 2026
  • Study author Alexandros Vgontzas, MD, director of the Sleep Research and Treatment Center at Penn State College of Medicine, told Health the results suggest that excessive daytime sleepiness and prolonged sleep latency may be important risk factors for hypertension.
    Zoe Cunniffe, Health, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Definitely don’t be overly profuse or attempt to be complicated in whatever your request is.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Hold the pasta—this super-fresh summer lasagna is a great way to use up a bountiful crop of squash.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
  • Companies have long sought out Nevada for new or expanded mines, these days driven by bountiful supplies of lithium, a key component in batteries used to help run AI models, Schmidt said.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Although every room’s layout and decoration is slightly different, the overriding effect is riotous pattern (wallpaper and fabrics match), sumptuous layering (throws and cushions galore), elegant mirrors and original art.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
  • Part slasher parody, part meta commentary on the structure of horror movies, and fully riotous, Behind the Mask is a dreadfully under-appreciated contribution to the subgenre that would have made for a terrific franchise.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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