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 The power plant draws the water from the English Channel, which has warmer temperatures and ideal conditions for jellyfish reproduction. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 One Lego set, discounted at Walmart to its best-ever price, is one of the best space Lego sets – the Lego Technic NASA Lunar Roving Vehicle, which is an incredibly detailed reproduction of the historic NASA buggy that took to the Moon's surface during the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 lunar missions. Paul Brett, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Once fully grown, the medusae spawn a colony and repeat the asexual reproduction process. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025 Since the dawn of animal life, over a half-billion years ago, animals have set about remaking the landscape in ways that have benefited their own reproduction and survival. Peter Brannen, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • The panel's agenda for Tuesday's meeting includes a copy of the citizen complaint.
    Penny Weaver, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The worst was yet to come, in the shape of the Baines note, a copy of which was forwarded to the Queen.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Creator @tinalemac shared her step-by-step process for transforming a plain IKEA mirror into a high-end replica using nothing more than tin foil and air-dry clay.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Acutis' tomb in Assisi—his body displayed in a wax replica and dressed in casual clothes and sneakers—has become a major pilgrimage site, and relics associated with him have toured internationally.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

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