COPS Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

cops 1 of 2

noun

Definition of cops next

plural of cop

as in policemen

a member of a force charged with law enforcement at the local level a cop stopped her for speeding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

civilians

cops

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of cop, slang

as in buys

to get possession of (something) by giving money in exchange for I copped a great outfit for only $50

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in grabs

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly some concertgoers rushed pell-mell through the doors so that they could cop the seats down front

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cops

Noun

But the legislation kept that data hidden from public view, so agencies can hire wandering cops in secret – and small-town budgets create a powerful incentive to do so. —

Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 The music video interposes clips of a nation on fire—thieves and looters running rampant, protesters spitting in cops’ faces—with footage of Aldean and his band playing in front of a courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, vowing to deliver justice. —

Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026 No charges were immediately filed as cops continue to investigate that crash. —

Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026 Calling the cops would get her nothing but a night or three in the Tombs. —

Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 Patrick drives his dagger into Huw’s chest just as the cops show. —

Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cops

Noun

At such protests, white policemen often famously saved their worst acts of brutality for the few white demonstrators.

— Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Some have described voting out of fear, with security personnel in traditional clothing and sunglasses and armed policemen skulking around polling areas, according to ABC.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Jan. 2026