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copy

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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
The memo temporarily prevented employees from changing roles within the agency, according to a copy of the document obtained by The Washington Post. Arkansas Online, 29 May 2025 The immigration judge who dismissed Hernandez’s asylum claim allowed for the possibility that the case be reopened if Hernandez returns to the U.S., according to a copy of the dismissal order reviewed by NBC News. David Noriega, NBC news, 28 May 2025
Verb
The PCMark 10 Overall Storage test measures a drive's speed in performing a variety of routine tasks such as launching Windows, loading games and creative apps, and copying both small and large files. PC Magazine, 14 May 2025 Both have been copied fruitfully by festivals around the world. John Hopewell, Variety, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for copy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy
Noun
  • This behavior increases their chance of survival and reproduction.
    Harry Bernheim, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
  • Not to get all political right away, but every single frame of this series as a whole, and this season in particular, is colored by the inescapable pressure of fertility and reproduction at all costs.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Set in the dystopian society of Gilead, The Handmaid’s Tale follows June (aka Offred) as she’s forced to reproduce with a high-ranking commander, all while secretly plotting to overthrow the totalitarian government and reunite with the daughter who was taken from her.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Per court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the band alleged that the use of the 1994 was unauthorized, along with the company reproducing an advertisement that was very similar to the 2002 music video directed by Spike Jonze.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Walton imitated the big-box retail store and located them in small towns.
    Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • At Cruise’s behest, McQuarrie’s stunts imitate the most primitive filmmaking — not the awe-inspiring magic of Georges Méliès but the Lumière brothers’ rudimentary documentation of action.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The precision-engineering racing rig (offered in yellow, green, blue, and orange) puts the driver into a detailed replica of a racing cockpit.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The top of the 2024 replica ring doesn’t detach, but championship pendants can be purchased separately for $249 apiece.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Elias’ main strategy has been to replicate the success of his former team, the Houston Astros, who reached the AL Championship seven straight years from 2017-2023 while winning two World Series.
    Paul Bledsoe, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
  • Not looking to replicate what is already out there, the foundation aims to build something new and to allow creativity to guide the board members.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • A lot of people emulate some sort of legacy in order to shake the purse strings of their audience.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
  • Who wants their grandchildren to emulate such limited vocabulary, negative language and divisive rhetoric?
    Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Every explosion, landscape, and detail is rendered with breathtaking clarity, making your gaming sessions more immersive than ever.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • This global sourcing approach, along with its main customer base focused in North America, renders Lowe’s susceptible to trade disruptions and tariffs.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Claims from staffers included being penalized for taking medical leave, repeated racial microaggressions and fear of retribution for raising complaints about working conditions.
    Erica Marrison, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • Asked again if the Cubs were saying the Score’s report was inaccurate, Martinez repeated her statement that no decision was made.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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