Definition of copynext

copy

2 of 2

verb

1
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

2
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

Synonym Chooser

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

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 copy
Noun
What used to be sold as a puffiness fix is now marketed as nervous system therapy, with the vagus nerve name-checked in product copy, TikTok tutorials and dermatology explainers. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Pick up a copy, turn off your phone, and cancel your plans for the next twenty-four hours. — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
La Presse said that a 2012 short story by Orelien had plagiarized passages from a book by French author Louis Pauwels, while a 2013 opinion piece copied from The Philippine Star newspaper. — CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 People swivel-chair between them, copying information from emails, clicking through numerous interfaces and other tools. — Bryan Goode, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • This exhibit displays body parts and specimens crucial to human development and reproduction.
    — Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • On the editorial side, this includes the licenses for reproductions in books like exhibition catalogs, scholarly tomes, and even the covers of novels, as well as publications, for news coverage and criticism for exhibitions as well as general use.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • An algorithm trained on incomplete or unrepresentative data can reproduce inequities already present in healthcare, except now those decisions arrive wrapped in the appearance of objectivity.
    — Paula Ferrada, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • These earliest plants evolved from water-living multicellular green algae—descendants of the cyanobacteria—and reproduced using spores.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • OpenAI denied intentionally imitating Johansson’s voice and later withdrew the feature.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Then-Princess Elizabeth struggled to pronounce her own name as a toddler, and her grandfather, King George V, reportedly imitated her pronunciation.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Hanging beside a replica wooden hut was a birdcage with a note explaining that the parrot had been removed for its own mental well-being.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Eight interconnecting venues offer everything from French-Japanese fusion, an oyster and ceviche bar, poolside cocktails, and a replica speakeasy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Meloni’s move comes as governments, regulators and public figures grapple with the rapid spread of artificial intelligence tools capable of convincingly replicating voices and images.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Craven similarly replicates the formula of inoffensive statement versus misogynistic backlash.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Most Marylanders know that gerrymandering is wrong, and both polls show a majority of voters aren’t ready to emulate the bad behavior of other states and embrace gerrymandering.
    — Colin Pascal, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Horton showed up to his audition and instinctively tried to emulate Tanter’s signature baritone voice.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Two decades ago, Nvidia was largely known for manufacturing the GPUs that allowed computers to render 3D graphics on videogames.
    — Tamlin Magee, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Cress agreed with Sacramento County prosecutors, who argued Kaur did not get out of her sport utility vehicle to check on the unconscious Lopez after striking his motorcycle or attempt to render aid.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The shopkeeper’s brusque response would no doubt be repeated over and over again.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • These materials mimic important structural features of quasicrystals while having a repeating crystal structure that can be studied experimentally.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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