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copy

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verb

1
as in to reproduce
to make an exact likeness of for the movie, set designers copied the Oval Office in the White House down to the smallest detail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior she shamelessly copies her idol's hairstyle and fashion choices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun copy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of copy are duplicate, facsimile, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When might duplicate be a better fit than copy?

While the synonyms duplicate and copy are close in meaning, duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When would facsimile be a good substitute for copy?

The words facsimile and copy can be used in similar contexts, but facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would replica be a reasonable alternative to copy?

Although the words replica and copy have much in common, replica implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details, but not always in the same scale.

a replica of the Mayflower
miniature replicas of classic cars

In what contexts can reproduction take the place of copy?

The words reproduction and copy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

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 copy
Noun
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the retailer ordered two million copies of the book. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024 Then there were reports of the copies of The Turner Diaries being around at that event as well. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
That flow is then mimicked or copied in the lower levels of the atmosphere and the jet stream that controls our weather. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024 Another video showed their photos copy and pasted into a collage. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for copy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • Selenium is also needed for healthy reproduction, thyroid gland function, and DNA production.13 Sourdough bread with enriched flour covers 13% of your daily iron needs.
    Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Despite invoking unpleasant feelings to the onlooker, the chasing, biting and kicking seem to be pertinent for wombats’ reproduction.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This material is not to be reproduced or redistributed absent the written consent of Fairlead Strategies.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Leaves are first cultured into a kind of liquid broth until the cells reproduce.
    John Werner, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Life really does imitate art — and Jeremy Strong is here for it.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
  • During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies.
    SYLVIE CORBET, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • One Florida man has set himself miles, or rather feet, apart from his neighbors this holiday season by constructing a massive replica of a classic Christmas film.
    Danielle Jennings, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
  • An exhibit featuring replicas of the ceiling frescoes has made its way to Brooklyn this season.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • As the company has been able to expand its product line and shipping capabilities through e-commerce developments, the team has remained focused on replicating the in-store customer experience.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Step one is to realize that there is no replicating 2024’s production without #22.
    Tyler Small, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Simard and Hilty have aimed to emulate this closeness, particularly during their preview run in Chicago.
    Emily Burns, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
  • His own creepy nature doesn't exactly emulate the joyful holiday, but luckily, rag doll Sally (Catherine O'Hara) is there to make everything okay again.
    Sydni Ellis, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But Part Two told the story of Paul Atreides’s rise to power with a satisfying mix of triumph and gruesomeness, rendering his planetary jihad in awe-inspiring fashion.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Without serious mitigation efforts, cities like Galveston could see large portions submerged or rendered uninhabitable.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Even their personalities had been worked over, to the extent that the nights eerily repeated themselves.
    Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
  • After all, just repeating the last story usually makes for a sequel that’s a flop.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near copy

Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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