Definition of reproductionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun reproduction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reproduction are copy, duplicate, facsimile, and replica. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

When might copy be a better fit than reproduction?

In some situations, the words copy and reproduction are roughly equivalent. However, copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When would duplicate be a good substitute for reproduction?

The meanings of duplicate and reproduction largely overlap; however, duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When could facsimile be used to replace reproduction?

The synonyms facsimile and reproduction are sometimes interchangeable, 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 reproduction?

While the synonyms replica and reproduction are close in meaning, 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

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 reproduction Lethal control also disrupts coyote family structures, breaking up packs and potentially increasing reproduction. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026 At the intersection of these meanings is a question about the intimate reproductions of culture, how it’s passed between mentor and mentee, parent and child. Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Throughout, artworks by Lawrence Weiner and Lee Ufan are paired with reproductions of important modernist furniture by the likes of Le Corbusier and Gerrit Rietveld. Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 21 Mar. 2026 When life falls out of sync, there can be dire consequences for health, reproduction, and survival. Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Then, carbon-copy goals from Brittany Ratcliffe and Madison Mercado — who got on the end of crosses whipped in by Sofia Huerta in the 26th and 33rd minutes — saw the Current shell-shocked down 3-0 in the 33rd minute.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Keep copies of your passport and use a money belt in crowded areas.
    Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • New selfie spots The Centerfield Plaza will be home to an oversized 2025 World Series replica trophy, alongside the 2024 trophy where fans can take pictures.
    Richard Guzman, Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Faux-chrome hubcaps and brick outlines resembling fenders decorate the building’s skin; those giant gargoyles on the corners are overscale replicas of radiator-cap hood ornaments.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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