duplicate 1 of 3

duplicate

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noun

duplicate

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verb

1
as in to copy
to make an exact likeness of art students trying to duplicate paintings in the museum's collection as part of their training

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to replicate
to make or do again we were unable to duplicate the experiment in our own lab, so we're suspicious

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to double
to make twice as great or as many the recipe can be easily duplicated in order to feed a large family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun duplicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of duplicate are copy, facsimile, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When is it sensible to use copy instead of duplicate?

The meanings of copy and duplicate largely overlap; however, copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When can facsimile be used instead of duplicate?

Although the words facsimile and duplicate have much in common, 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 duplicate?

While the synonyms replica and duplicate 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

When might reproduction be a better fit than duplicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to duplicate, reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

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 duplicate
Adjective
The five biggest Medicaid insurers received one-third of the duplicate payments, the report discovered. Editorial, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 This folder is where Apple keeps track of all your duplicate photos and videos. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
According to the lawsuit, ECE International is reconciling the claims, including identifying duplicate and unsupported claims. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025 For example, after an acquisition, duplicate processes may remain from the two merging organizations, leading to process-organization complexity. Stephen Wilson, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
Coronado’s Lauren Gilhooly, who ran 11.70 at the Mt. Carmel Invitational but was aided by a 2.9 mph wind, duplicated the feat without excessive wind in edging Steele Canyon’s Aniya Scott (11.91) and Otay Ranch’s Zamaria Mack (12.02) for a personal best. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025 The gas industry would have to duplicate itself in the next 15 years. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for duplicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicate
Adjective
  • Spirit 70’s hood wears a version of the Porsche crest nearly identical to the badging used in 1963.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • After the meeting wrapped, the three companies issued nearly identical statements.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annika Kim Constantino,Leslie Josephs,Ari Levy,Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,Hugh Son,Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The images of Francis washing the feet of young prisoners will forever be etched in our minds.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • These are part of a suite of 24 images based on an ancient Japanese agricultural calendar (made up of 24 micro-seasons).
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There was a grocery list, spice cans, copies of L.A. newspapers.
    Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The museum has housed another copy of this book since the 1930s.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Over the past several decades, these cells have been reproduced millions of times, meaning that today's production does not require additional fetal tissue and does not involve ongoing abortions.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • This ripple effect builds leaders who reproduce leaders.
    Sandra Balogun, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Even her accessories choices have a sophisticated touch, especially her rounded gold-trim sunglasses and animal print oversized tote bag — replicate her look with the items below.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Will this new-look Oregon passing attack be able to replicate the recent success under Gabriel and, before him, Bo Nix? Tune in to the Big Ten Network on Saturday for the Oregon Spring Game.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Anne Klein Genuine Diamond Dial Bangle Watch My 88-year-old grandma loves her jewelry, especially this beautiful watch that doubles as a statement piece.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
  • This event indicated the exoplanet had a planet-to-star mass ratio that roughly doubles the Earth-sun mass ratio.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Wracked with guilt over Su-ho’s injuries, Si-eun enters Weak Hero Class 2 determined not to let another friend suffer a similar, gruesome fate.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Three other states – Louisiana, New Hampshire and Wyoming – have enacted similar laws in recent months.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And behind the scenes, Ocado uses digital twin technology, essentially a virtual replica of the warehouse, to simulate and optimize everything from customer demand to delivery routes.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Aaron Paul gives a compelling double performance as both the astronaut Cliff and a robot replica of Cliff temporarily controlled by fellow astronaut David (Josh Hartnett).
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Duplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicate. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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