Definition of copiousnext

Synonym Chooser

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 Did drinking copious quantities of beer ever get better press? The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 The world’s second largest economy has also weathered the historic energy crunch triggered by the conflict better than many of its neighbors – in particular due to its copious strategic oil reserves and embrace of green tech and electric vehicles. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 That means for now, SpaceX could pay for copious capex sans too much dilution. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 June 2026 The rooms Lined up along a boardwalk, the standalone rooms comprise copious indoor and outdoor space. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious
Adjective
  • All the gold is gone, and there’s barely enough to pay her soldiers, let alone throw a lavish coronation.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • In 2018, the pair were married at a lavish ceremony in Windsor.
    Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Cheap, abundant labor is exactly the condition under which a company most needs a grown-up in the room to decide what all that fast output should add up to.
    Sue Mysko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • English colonists from Barbados and Bermuda settled in the region during that time, bringing with them enslaved Africans with their own abundant culinary heritage.
    Amethyst Ganaway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Several boxes of unsold items were visible behind the counter, suggesting ample inventory, although the worker told USA TODAY sales had been steady.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Returns here will be substantial (and predictable), your principal will be protected and the account will be insured up to $250,000, giving you ample protection for your money.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • For each of the World Cup’s 104 games, promotions are plentiful up and down the Strip.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the weeks that followed, ChatGPT seemingly failed to pick up on plentiful signs of Lines’ deterioration.
    Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Black residents of the city have expressed fear of harassment and concerns about trading high crime for excessive policing.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Definitely don’t be overly profuse or attempt to be complicated in whatever your request is.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Dodgers officials, however, have been profuse in their praise of Betts since the start of the season.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
Adjective
  • Nothing beats harvesting fresh fruit from your backyard, and one way to ensure a bountiful harvest is by pruning your fruit trees.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026
  • Hydrangeas are one of the most beloved flowers in the garden, their showy flowers putting on a bountiful display every summer.
    Kate McKenna, The Spruce, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in.
    Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
  • Guns is an actor and writer, known for her razor-sharp observations and riotous voice.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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