ample

[ am-puhl ]

adjective

, am·pler, am·plest.

1. fully sufficient or more than adequate for the purpose or needs; plentiful; enough: ample time to finish.

   an ample supply of water;

   ample time to finish.

2. of sufficient or abundant measure; liberal; copious:

   an ample reward.

   Synonyms: plenteous, lavish, free, generous

   Antonyms: meager, scanty

3. of adequate or more than adequate extent, size, or amount; large; spacious; roomy:

   ample storage space.

   Synonyms: vast, great, capacious, extensive

ample

/ ˈæmpəl /

adjective

1. more than sufficient; abundant

   an ample helping

2. large in size, extent, or amount

   of ample proportions

Derived Forms

• ˈampleness, noun

Other Words From

• ample·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ample¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin amplus “wide, large”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ample¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin amplus spacious

Synonym Study

See plentiful. Ample, liberal, copious, profuse describe degrees of abundant provision. Ample implies a plentiful provision: to give ample praise. Liberal implies provision from a generous supply (more than ample but less than copious ): Liberal amounts of food were distributed to people who needed it. Copious implies an apparently inexhaustible and lavish abundance: a copious flow of tears. Profuse implies a still more unrestrained abundance of provision or flow: profuse in his apologies.

Example Sentences

And the magazine had conducted a survey of 578 white Americans, finding that 38% of those who identified as “racial conservatives” said there was ample scientific evidence of climate change — a leap beyond the roughly 23% of Republicans who say they believe it is a threat.

From Salon

Both Trump and his allies will have ample opportunities going forward to impose their will on the Senate.

From Slate

Like those governors, Biden has ample grounds to use his clemency power to advance the cause of justice and to save lives.

From Slate

These issues, along with the injustice of a government putting anyone to death, provide ample reason for Biden to issue a mass commutation.

From Slate

Though the state boasts ample oil reserves, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s climate policies and his enmity toward the oil industry is forcing a gradual wind-down of oil production.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abundant
• bountiful
• broad
• copious
• expansive
• extensive
• generous
• great
• plentiful
• spacious
• substantial
• voluminous
• wide