COPY Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

copy 1 of 2

noun

ˈkä-pē

Definition of copy

as in reproduction

something that is made to look exactly like something else a copy of the famous painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

copy

2 of 2

verb

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

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

Pelecanos became aware of the former NFL running back’s debut from a social media post and requested an advance copy. — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 For his, Connor chose a copy of Grant’s heartbeat from the hospital. — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

Pinterest says Gen Z and Millennials are putting their own spins on trends rather than copying them, a sign that visible under-eyes and lived-in finishes could outlast the tired girl label itself. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 It's got plenty of helpful features, such as automatic two-sided printing as well as copy and scan capabilities. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for copy

Noun

For scholars of that mindset, all reference to precedent—any precedent, either natural or artificial—is mediated by modern technologies of mechanical reproduction, and by an awareness of their ubiquitous sway.

— Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Circled by a verdant reproduction of an enchanted forest, and dressed in a black swan-like two-piece by Ann Demeulemeester, Zardoya held the audience captive with her purring soprano and vampy stare.

— Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of reproduction

Verb

There are so many, because Venice has an atmosphere that is difficult to reproduce anywhere else.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Myers said these teacup animals usually come about through reproductive technology and selective breeding, where people repeatedly breed the smallest animals, then use the smallest offspring to reproduce.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of reproduce

Verb

In any event, there’s difficult-to-imitate value in how Planet of the Apes begins as a simple adventure film and winds up touching upon issues of prejudice, social inequality, and nuclear annihilation.

— Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
One year later, Clooney, 65, is back at the Venice Film Festival for a spin in the spotlight on the opening night for a bit of life imitating art.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of imitate

Verb

Emirates’ massive suite, which is perched over the center of Ashe, is being remodeled this year to emulate the spacious lounges and curved bar on its double-decker Airbus 380 planes.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Elf, however, deliberately taps into a cartoonish side of stop-motion by emulating the look of Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of emulate

Verb

Some soldiers distinguished themselves by helping to render emergency trauma response and first aid to civilians, earning individual service commendations, according to the Arkansas National Guard.

— Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 29 Aug. 2026
The class also requires students to design, analyze and render complex 2D and 3D graphics, modeling, texturing, lighting and animation across multiple styles of video games.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of render

Verb

And when Ohtani, Judge and Tarik Skubal repeated their accomplishments in 2025 as NL MVP, AL MVP and AL Cy Young winner, something had to be done to commemorate that, too, so the dual Gold Logoman patch cards were created.

— Larry Holder, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Most of the time, people come with their pre-existing views and biases, repeat them out loud, close their minds to alternative perspectives, and go home even more sure of their ways.

— Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of repeat

Browse Nearby Words

copulation

copy

copycat

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of copy

noun

verb

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