COPIOUS Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

copious

adjective

ˈkō-pē-əs

Definition of copious next

as in lavish

pouring forth in great amounts a copious rush of words just poured out of the two friends who hadn't seen each other in years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 In quiet times, families in colorful costumes throng downtown stretches, children eat copious amounts of traditional triangle cookies. —

ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026 Revelstoke Mountain Resort is celebrated for offering the longest vertical drop in North America (5,620 feet), complemented by copious snowfall that averages 408 inches each year. —

Jonny Bierman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026 Lake Michigan, our rivers and aquifers provide copious water. —

Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 At the same time, there's copious amounts of moisture flowing into the northern and central mountains of the state through Wednesday night. —

Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious

Adjective

Twenty or thirty years ago, stadiums entered a luxury arms race, and they are now largely designed for lavish fan experiences affordable to only a few.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
In Miami, lavish supper clubs with elaborate shows drew crowds.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026