1 copious | Definition of copious
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copious

adjective
co·​pi·​ous | \ ˈkō-pē-əs How to pronounce copious (audio) \

Definition of copious

1a : yielding something abundantly a copious harvest copious springs
b : plentiful in number copious references to other writers
2a : full of thought, information, or matter … Shakespeare, whose soul was so copious …— Gilbert Highet
b : profuse or exuberant in words, expression, or style a copious talker
3 : present in large quantity : taking place on a large scale copious weeping copious food and drink
Other Words from copious Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym What's the Difference Between copious, ample, and plentiful? More Example Sentences Learn More about copious

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Other Words from copious

copiously adverb
copiousness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for copious

Synonyms

galore, gushing, lavish, profuse, riotous

Antonyms

dribbling, trickling

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Choose the Right Synonym for copious

plentiful, ample, abundant, copious mean more than sufficient without being excessive. plentiful implies a great or rich supply. peaches are plentiful this summer ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement. ample food to last the winter abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful. streams abundant with fish copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness. copious examples of bureaucratic waste

What's the Difference Between copious, ample, and plentiful?

Copious derives from Latin copia ("abundance"), which in turn combines the prefix co- and ops ("wealth" or "power"). "Copious" and "opulent" (also from "ops"), along with "ample," "plentiful," and "abundant," all mean "more than sufficient." "Ample" implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement ("ample proof"). "Copious" puts emphasis upon largeness of supply more than on fullness or richness ("copious toasts to the bride and groom"). "Plentiful" implies a rich, and usually more than sufficient, supply ("a plentiful supply of textbooks"). "Abundant" suggests a greater or richer supply than "plentiful" does ("moved by the abundant offers to help"). But use "opulent" when the supply is both abundant and infused with a richness that allows an extra measure of gratification ("the opulent blossoms of the cherry trees").

Examples of copious in a Sentence

It was no surprise that spin was more copious than ever during the election campaign. — Michael Kinsley, Time, 25 Dec. 2000–1 Jan. 2001 These pockets of melted rock are rich in silica and release copious amounts of volatile gases that are held under high pressures. — Sandra Blakeslee, New York Times, 7 Apr. 1998 … travelers grew accustomed to having copious helpings of meat when they visited Quimper's inn. — James A. Michener, Texas, 1985 The Constants—ignorant, vulgar, and brash—had copious quantities of dumb luck. — Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., The Sirens Of Titan, 1959 The storm produced a copious amount of rain. She sat in the front row and took copious notes during the lecture.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Evenings were given over to fresh fish and pasta and copious amounts of wine and beer. — Smithsonian, "John Steinbeck’s Epic Ocean Voyage Rewrote the Rules of Ecology," 22 Aug. 2019 This process was strictly reserved for nighttime only (as retinol should always be)—and always followed by copious amounts of sunscreen during the day. — Sarah Wu, Glamour, "Kate Somerville’s Glow-Boosting Moisturizer Cured My Fear of Retinol," 19 Aug. 2019 The notoriously crusty Diaz spent the last three years away from mixed martial arts stuck in consternation, smoking copious amounts of cannabis and constantly clashing with UFC boss Dana White. — Manouk Akopyan, Los Angeles Times, "UFC 241: Stipe Miocic knocks out Daniel Cormier to regain heavyweight belt," 17 Aug. 2019 Also in attendance: ferns, marsh marigold and copious amounts of a kind of skunk cabbage that looks like spinach that has received a lot of encouragement. — New York Times, "Welcome to America’s Newest National Park. Don’t Mind the Power Plant.," 17 July 2019 The beer consumed on-site was copious and decidedly non-craft. — Mark Bechtel, SI.com, "Former Red Sox Great Kevin Youkilis Crafting a New Path With California Brewery," 25 June 2019 The fishy filling was copious, but airy in a way that seemed mystical. — Amy Drew Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Hocca, at the Florida Mall, is full of (hot, Brazilian) bologna | Review," 19 June 2019 The stainless steel tanks used for fermentation and aging must be cleaned and sterilized at every step of the process, requiring copious quantities of water and chemical cleaning agents. — Aleksandra Crapanzano, WSJ, "The Winery That Fits in a Closet," 12 Oct. 2018 One consequence has been advertisers increasingly relying on copious ad quantity and aggressive tactics to turn a profit, McGrath says. — Chris Baraniuk, Scientific American, "Where Will the Ad versus Ad Blocker Arms Race End?," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'copious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of copious

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for copious

Middle English, from Latin copiosus, from copia abundance, from co- + ops wealth — more at opulent

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More Definitions for copious

copious

adjective
How to pronounce copious (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of copious

: very large in amount or number

See the full definition for copious in the English Language Learners Dictionary

copious

adjective
co·​pi·​ous | \ ˈkō-pē-əs How to pronounce copious (audio) \

Kids Definition of copious

: very plentiful : abundant She takes copious notes in class.

Other Words from copious

copiously adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on copious

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for copious

Spanish Central: Translation of copious

Nglish: Translation of copious for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English:

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