COPIOUS Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

copious

adjective

ˈkō-pē-əs

Definition of copious

as in lavish

pouring forth in great amounts a copious rush of words just poured out of the two friends who hadn't seen each other in years

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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 These are bright and turbulent regions powered by central engine supermassive black holes with masses of millions or even billions of times that of the sun that are feeding on copious amounts of gas and dust. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Between copious hits from a vape, relaxing in his home office in rural Pennsylvania, McNeil talks about the strange process of writing about his own punk rock life for a change. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 The market has already shown a voracious appetite for companies demonstrating copious free cash flows at a time when it's become scarce. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026 That said, several freelancers that charge steep fees have copious positive reviews. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copious

Adjective

All gaps in time and momentum can be smoothed over by Laura Karpman’s lush and lavish score.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
The black-tie event will feature live entertainment, a lavish dinner, and a major fireworks display across the Dubai skyline.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

There, local fishermen demonstrated their sustainable crayfish harvesting process, and as a spectacular touch, the helicopter lifted one of the crayfish tanks straight out of the ocean, giving our client a dramatic view of the abundant catch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
But coyotes, with their abundant numbers and reputation as nuisances, are not.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of abundant

Adjective

There is access to miles of amazing hiking trails, gin bottle-blue glacial rivers and lakes, and ample opportunity to spot the again-thriving native wildlife.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
But critics point to turmoil already seen at CBS under Skydance ownership — and aren’t convinced this new body will move the needle much, because Ellison is set to have ample oversight over appointments.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of ample

Adjective

Finally, their proposal would give Appropriations Committee leaders a quick route to the Senate floor for popular spending bills with plentiful spending amendment opportunities.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Cheaper and more plentiful computing power would allow AI agents to proliferate, Hayes said.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of plentiful

Adjective

The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
His decision to have Sale close out Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series and throw 21 pitches was cast as excessive.

— Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Highlighting ingredients is paramount with basic, but bountiful baskets of whole organic veggies on offer for a whopping 18€ for two people.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
And don’t miss Oceania’s bountiful brunch, which is one of my favorites at sea.

— Megan duBois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of bountiful

Adjective

The riotous 640-page doorstopper grapples with homophobia then and now, the lingering specter of colonialism, the tumult of the AIDS crisis, and frameworks of power that demand dominance or submission.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Adéla draws from the Britney Spears playbook on the track and ends up with a riotous song destined for Top 40 dominance.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of riotous

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“Copious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copious. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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