carbon copy

noun

Synonyms of carbon copynext
1
: a copy made by carbon paper
2
: duplicate
is a carbon copy of his father

Synonyms of carbon copy

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Examples of carbon copy in a Sentence

I'll need a carbon copy of that receipt. She's a carbon copy of her mother.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Their second and third goals were almost carbon copies, too. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Princess Charlotte is a near carbon copy of her dad, Prince William, in new birthday portrait. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 2 May 2026 The buildup was different, but the 62nd-minute finish was a carbon copy of Navarro’s. — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 Of course, these three chipmakers aren't carbon copies of each other — for example, Intel has a fledgling third-party manufacturing business that's excited investors. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for carbon copy

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbon copy was in 1876

Rhymes for carbon copy

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Browse Nearby Words

carbon capture and storage
carbon copy
carbon credit
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Cite this Entry

“Carbon copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%20copy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

carbon copy

noun
1
: a copy made with carbon paper
2
: duplicate entry 2

More from Merriam-Webster on carbon copy

Nglish: Translation of carbon copy for Spanish Speakers

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