Definition of replicanext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun replica differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of replica are copy, duplicate, facsimile, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," 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 would copy be a good substitute for replica?

The words copy and replica can be used in similar contexts, but copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When is duplicate a more appropriate choice than replica?

The synonyms duplicate and replica are sometimes interchangeable, but duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When could facsimile be used to replace replica?

While the synonyms facsimile and replica are close in meaning, facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would reproduction be a reasonable alternative to replica?

In some situations, the words reproduction and replica are roughly equivalent. However, 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 replica The Tennessee property spans roughly 180 acres and features a large custom‑built mansion designed as a replica of the White House—an aesthetic that has long been associated with the singer’s public persona. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Already the group has held fundraisers, notably by partnering with DB Woodworks to create small-scale wooden replicas of the sign for sale, with some of the proceeds going towards the project. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 Leaning against the brick edifice of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory on the cast-iron corridor of West Main is a massive 120-foot-high steel replica of Babe Ruth's original Louisville Slugger bat. Adam Sachs, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 In center field, Dodgers fans were greeted by oversize replicas of those trophies, the better for taking a selfie. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • The images of that crash were shared widely online and caught Noah Williams' attention, triggering painful memories and taking him back to the day his own life changed forever.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Iranian officials told civilians to be on the lookout for survivors ​and have flooded social media with images that purport to show wreckage from the aircraft.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • When the investigator asked for a spreadsheet documenting removals, mentioned in testimony by several supervisors, the agency’s then-adult protection director in Miami emailed a copy.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Obtain a digital copy at that same site by clicking on the online link.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Self-healing concrete fits in well with ideas around sensor technology and digital twins – in which cracks in a structure could serve as a warning of damage and then repair themselves, needing little more than periodic checking.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In a cruel twist of fate, Cameron had to watch as his twin, Cayden Boozer, made the turnover that sealed the Blue Devils’ fate.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The results show that reproduction could pose a real challenge for future space settlers, but it still can’t be ruled out as impossible.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The study, from researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia, is just the latest addition to a growing pile of evidence that suggests mammalian reproduction in space might be quite complicated, if not impossible.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The clone in question is a nod to an ongoing TikTok conspiracy theory that suggests Gomez was replaced by a body double or a clone after her kidney transplant in 2017.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The plot twist comes after a fateful rover crash, when the true nature of the operation is revealed; Sam is really a clone that's replaced every three years when his contract ends.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The theorist Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick examined the extent to which jealous imitation drives all manner of same-sex relations, straight and gay.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Choose pure vanilla extract (not imitation vanilla) for superior flavor.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With Young looking to earn a long-term extension and push the Panthers forward in the NFC playoff picture, Pickett’s insight and experience could be valuable assets during the upcoming campaign.
    Mike Kaye March 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Well, that definitely paints a vivid picture.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Some were duplicates, so the final tally was 15.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Software engineer Alexey Grigorev recently watched an AI agent destroy his entire production database—wiping out years of course data after a setup error caused the system to delete the live environment instead of cleaning up duplicates.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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