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
Created as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976, 100 duplicate bells were made, with two allocated per state, according to a statement from the city. Daily News, 4 July 2026 By July, they're often filled with duplicate tools, broken garden equipment, empty paint cans, and mystery hardware that nobody remembers buying. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Noun
Officials have said many of the remaining documents are duplicates, unrelated to Epstein or protected by legal privilege. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 16 July 2026 Her plans are derailed when a mysterious fluid begins flowing from her navel and transforms into a perfect but uncontrollable duplicate of herself. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 July 2026
Verb
The stakes for new avatar don’t feel quite as high—the specific circumstances around the former was a perfect storm that'll be tough to duplicate—but the music isn’t any less potent for it. Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026 Security camera footage showed Hill and the three others presenting merchandise not purchased at TJX stores to return with altered or duplicated receipts, according to court documents. Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicate
Adjective
  • Go back further and the shape of the argument flips, but the underlying tension is identical.
    Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • As the riders lean their bikes against the bench, Tom notices the machines are identical in brand and color.
    Tom Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • New images circulating online appear to show what defense analysts believe is the fifth prototype of China’s sixth-generation J-36 fighter jet, according to a report.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The island now houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where visitors can search digital images of ship manifests for the immigration records of their relatives.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Fort Worth police did not immediately provide copies of affidavits supporting the suspects’ arrests.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • Because if those questions — including the fundamental one — aren't being answered, better copy probably isn't the fix.
    Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The fish eat invasive weeds but don’t reproduce, leading to annual fish stocking.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • The method generates complex patterns that are difficult for classical systems to reproduce.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • In this context, replicating reputation management by political methods could prove perilous.
    Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • There’s power in numbers, and the Hurricanes will be relying on their numbers to have a chance at replicating the kind of success that Bain and Mesidor had last season.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Keegan continued to shine under Shankly’s successor, Bob Paisley, as Liverpool won the league and UEFA Cup double once again in 1975-76.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • New York’s number of millionaires doubled but overall its share compared to other states in the country plummeted, trailing behind Texas, Florida and California, according to the financial think tank Citizens Budget Commission.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Conditions at similar holding rooms in San Francisco were challenged in a recent lawsuit, and the agency was ordered by a federal judge to improve conditions and reduce the length of time that people were kept there.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • Program advances from concept to flight testing Operating the aircraft from multiple locations was another key objective, requiring crews to adapt to changing conditions similar to those expected in contested environments.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • The walls are decorated with lamps and replica guns, and in future the group plans to add a projector and an air-conditioning unit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This included getting access to a replica of the infamous red Ferrari, according to Carol Smith, executive director of communications for Glenbrook High School District 225, which includes Glenbrook North, and an organizer of the photo shoot.
    Alexandra Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Duplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicate. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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