copying

Definition of copyingnext
present participle of copy
1
as in reproducing
to make an exact likeness of for the movie, set designers copied the Oval Office in the White House down to the smallest detail

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in imitating
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

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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 copying An aspiring author had sent Hoover their manuscript, also copying a fraudulent email impersonating Hoover on the email chain. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 Ding has become known for his understated reactions and his small wave during introductions, which fans have begun copying at home. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 So far, China’s military space strategy appears to be copying the US military’s winning formula in orbit. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026 Join me in copying Pidgeon’s spring-ready lip look while the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint is only $14. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026 By copying the strut and behavior of real males, the robotic birds are meant to attract younger grouse and encourage them to start a new breeding site in a safer location. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 One of their tactics was to charge record requesters not just for copying costs but for the time workers spent assembling the records. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026 Donnie is now directing and starring in a movie with his particular style and flair and expertise that isn’t copying anything from the Wick world but is furthering the story of one of the most extraordinary characters to come out of the Wick universe ever. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026 These moments show students evaluating AI output critically and treating it almost as a sparring partner, rather than simply copying it. Jeanne Beatrix Law, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copying
Verb
  • Five years later teams around the world are reproducing that approach at a fraction of the cost.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The toucans are building stable, reproducing populations within urban spaces — using city green areas as reliable sources of food and shelter.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The contest aims to challenge negative stereotypes of seagulls, which are often seen as a nuisance, by imitating them, per local network WTV.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Another potential treatment route the study opens up is using machines to massage cancer cells, imitating the rhythmic beating of the heart.
    Anil Oza, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Officers arrived to find three vehicles involved — each with a single driver — and began rendering aid alongside firefighters and paramedics, per the release.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In a position such as lieutenant governor, where much of the office’s duties involve being only one of multi-member boards, radical positions tend to be largely drowned out by the majority, rendering the office even less effective.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Shoppers are emulating the late tastemaker’s look with clean silhouettes, neutral basics and of course that thick tortoiseshell headband.
    Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Google may be emulating that strategy.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Ahead of taking on the task of replicating Michael's legendary voice and performing skills, Jaafar practiced for hours on end to sing as Michael.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Fusion – replicating the power of the sun – has made major advances over the past few years.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster by warning that Russian attacks risk repeating history.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Freeling helped lead a Georgia team that went 11-1 in the regular season before repeating as SEC champions with a 28-7 win over Alabama and a second straight College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance in the Sugar Bowl.
    Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The tense battle culminates in the Beliskner being destroyed, in turn killing all the Replicators, except for one, which is seen crawling out of the ocean, setting up future battles with this duplicating menace.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The findings, published in a new study in the journal Nature Communications, suggest there’s a hard limit to duplicating mammals.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026

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“Copying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copying. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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