COPY Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

copy 1 of 2

noun

ˈkä-pē

Definition of copy next

as in reproduction

something that is made to look exactly like something else a copy of the famous painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

copy

2 of 2

verb

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

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

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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

Details: The cease-fire would start with a six-week phase involving the release of 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as well as the entry into Gaza each day of 600 trucks carrying humanitarian relief, according to a copy of the agreement. —

Natasha Frost, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 Her books have been sold in almost 20 countries with more than 1 million copies sold to date. —

Justin Kroll, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

The papyrus is dated circa 1550 BCE, with parts of it copied from even earlier texts. —

Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 12 Jan. 2025 It was posted long enough for screenshots to speed through neighbors’ text message chains and for the text to be copied onto neighborhood Ring camera chat groups and the Watch Duty app. —

Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for copy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy

Noun

Lending pandas to zoos across the U.S. and other countries also encourages reproduction and helps save the giant pandas from extinction.

— Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Inside, there’s a photomechanical reproduction on gold of Eisenhower’s husband, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025