Definition of duplicatenext
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
What seems like duplicate collection activity may actually involve two different accounts. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 In order to receive a payment, claimants must prove that 1) Equifax sent a credit report to a third party showing a duplication collection amount, or 2) the duplicate collection account was one of the reasons the claimant was denied credit. Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
The duplicate reporting allegedly lowered some consumers' credit scores and, in some cases, affected their ability to obtain credit. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Delete duplicate or blurry photos and recycle unneeded travel papers like brochures or receipts. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 28 July 2026
Verb
If that can be duplicated, replicated, and even improved upon, all the better, and all the more worth celebrating and examining. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026 Mavromihalis said the home belongs in a category where location and water access can’t be duplicated. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicate
Adjective
  • These examples do not mean every hospital can achieve identical results or that America never needs additional healthcare investment.
    Eugene Litvak, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • An all-time great joystick controller, resurrected with supposedly identical features and attention to detail, plus a little extra resilience.
    David Pierce, The Verge, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But there is a deeper question of why a modern tech company, especially an AI company, would need to soften their image with cotton and canvas.
    T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Granted, save for one image on a TV screen, no one wears a Green Lantern mask or outfit in the Lanterns pilot, but the wheels of its story have been in motion for decades by the time its premise unfolds.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Guests are dressed for the Hamptons or Malibu, with their copies of 'What Happened' balanced on top of their carry-alls.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Long out of print, used copies command thousands of dollars online.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Females prefer these waters to reproduce, and during the summer male rays have a higher metabolism that drives them to seek out food in the invertebrates along the shore, Lowe said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Ask whether the methodology is published in enough detail to reproduce, and who arbitrates a disputed grade.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The challenge facing Iraola and De la Torre is replicating that at one of the biggest clubs in the world, where expectations are huge and time is at a premium, with just over a week left until the Premier League season begins.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That credibility often transfers to the guest, creating an authentic form of brand exposure that traditional advertising struggles to replicate.
    Julio Cesar Gomez, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Betts, who doubled and took third on Tommy Edman's flyout, scored for a 2-1 lead.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Wade Meckler singled in the third and scored on a single by Neto, who stole third and scored on Schanuel's flyout before Grissom doubled home Mike Trout.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Schore makes a similar distinction when discussing workplace anger.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The side pockets are great for water bottles and similar, while the front pocket and inner pocket securely hold your phone, wallet or other small items that could get lost in the bottom of your back.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Quotes from Yankee greats make up the park’s signage, and Elston Howard Field was created as a replica of a stadium that stood for 85 years.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There is a replica that was made for the Larry David series by designer Christina Mongini, Sweet reported.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Duplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicate. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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