1
as in imitator
a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way she prides herself on being an innovator in fashion, and not a mere copyist

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2
as in scribe
one who writes from dictation or copies manuscripts some scholars argue that the vexing passage reflects a misreading of the text by an early copyist

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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 copyist The watercolor was recently rejected by specialists in 2020, who believe the copyist worked from a photograph of the work that was first published in 1904. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 4 Oct. 2024 In an effort to thwart copyists, together these purist designers showed after the scheduled Fashion Week—and this was back when editors were still sailing to Paris from New York. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023 As befits an artist who began her career working as a music copyist for famed Miles Davis collaborator Gil Evans, one of her key early mentors, Schneider composes with such skill, verve and clarity that her orchestra becomes a unique instrument of her own making. San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2023 As previously announced, the 2022 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will be presented to the Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC); Broadway For All; music copyist, Emily Grishman; Feinstein’s/54 Below and United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE. Paul Grein, Billboard, 9 May 2022 But her intention has been to draw inspiration and insight from each, without being a copyist. Jon Garelick, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Nov. 2022 Grishman is a music copyist for Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater, who works closely with composers, orchestrators and players. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2022 Kane was married eight times, including to singer-actress Jaye P. Morgan, agent Carol Faith and lastly, in 1981, to the former JoAnn Johnson, a studio music copyist. Jon Burlingame, Variety, 23 June 2022 The copy of Doryphoros in question, believed to have been created between 27 B.C.E. and 68 C.E. by an unknown Roman copyist, was allegedly lost until the 1930s, when an individual discovered the statue in the waters off the coast of Italy. Jane Recker, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 May 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copyist
Noun
  • Actor turned scribe Tim Federle will pen the musical's book.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Final Thoughts Selecting the best AI medical scribe involves more than picking the most recognizable brand name.
    Fernando Cowan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In the digital age, growing popularity translates to more Instagram followers — 853,000 for Shelton — and dreamy TikTok montages of him.
    Brendan Le, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • On TikTok, more than 22M videos about Black women in stocks, and content creators are sharing their insight on REITs for followers.
    Jasmine Browley, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There are also echoes of The Exorcist when The Man (Neil Sandilands) arrives, a cryptic, bearded shaman whose presence is about as reassuring as Mel Gibson on a good day.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
  • But there were also echoes of resentment from pop fans who criticized Gomez for feigning helplessness instead of taking action, despite her promising to do so in the clip.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Copyist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copyist. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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