ample
18 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ample, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Enough, or more than enough, for a particular purpose.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ample
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French ample, from Latin amplus, "large, spacious".
Full origin of ample →Frequently asked questions
What does “ample” mean?
The word “ample” means enough, or more than enough, for a particular purpose. In plain terms, plenty — more than enough of something, or generously sized.
How do you pronounce “ample”?
“Ample” is pronounced AM-puhl (/ˈæm.pəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ample” in a sentence?
Here is “ample” used in a sentence: “There was ample time to catch the train.”
What is another word for “ample”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ample” include full, spacious, extensive, wide, capacious and abundant.
What part of speech is “ample”?
“Ample” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ample” come from?
The word “ample” comes from Latin. From Middle French ample, from Latin amplus, "large, spacious".
Is “ample” a common word?
“Ample” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ample” have?
“Ample” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: enough, or more than enough, for a particular purpose.
What is the difference between "ample" and "enough"?
"Enough" simply means a sufficient amount for a purpose, with no implication of surplus. "Ample" means enough, or more than enough, often suggesting a comfortable or generous margin beyond what is strictly needed.
Can "ample" describe a person's size, not just quantities?
Yes, "ample" can describe something large in size or extent, and it is sometimes used, often euphemistically, to describe a person's build or figure, in addition to describing amounts of time, space, or resources.
What is the difference between "ample" and "sufficient"?
"Sufficient" describes an amount that just meets a requirement, with a neutral, precise tone. "Ample" implies enough or more than enough, often with a more generous or comfortable connotation than the plainer word "sufficient."