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
The real issue is whether publishers of scientific journals should retroactively apply contemporary standards regarding duplicate publication or self-plagiarism to historical papers. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 28 June 2026 For example, a data agent can keep a fundraiser’s data foundation clean and usable, eliminating duplicate records, filling gaps and maintaining data without constant manual upkeep. Dennis Fois, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
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 There’s been potential discrepancies and a few ballots the machines have declined, but the board has unanimously voted to just make duplicates of those ballots with the same result, appeasing the tabulators. Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026
Verb
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 Angela George The recount board is sticking around after business hours for now to tabulate ballots that needed to be duplicated after the voting machine could not read or decipher the ballot. Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicate
Adjective
  • This is illustrated by this video with two identical glasses, washed identically, with the same wine in both, and poured at the same time.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • The Galaxy Watch 9 has most of the same features for less, though, including identical health tracking capabilities and the same powerful chip.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • The smoke trail seen in the image extends to nearly 200 kilometers south of the facility according to a CNN analysis.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • The image of Tessarion chained in the sept in Tumbleton feels quite emblematic of his own internal experience.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The company informed sellers Wednesday of the policy change, according to a copy of the announcement viewed by CNBC.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • On Friday, Qualcomm sent a letter to customers informing them of price hikes, according to a copy of the document seen by Bloomberg News.
    Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • The FishHouse structures have larger openings for popular species in Lake Norman — bass, crappies and catfish — to reproduce, said Drew Keeley, who led the project for Natrx.
    Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • She was commissioned by the BBC to reproduce the Crown Jewels in the plushy fabric in 2016 for the Queen’s 90th birthday, and her work has been featured in over 400 store windows globally, including Hermes flagship store on Rodeo Drive.
    Lilyanna D'Amato, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • This behaviour replicates that of a bot, which is why they have been flagged.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Anglada said FirstRand views the company as a specialized technology and platform provider that enables access to the base of the pyramid in ways a traditional bank cannot replicate.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 22 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
  • Lawsuit attacks diversity efforts The lawsuit comes amid a broader crackdown on diversity initiatives nationwide as conservatives argue similar programs treat white people unfairly.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Across the pond, All-Star Games don’t exist, and there really aren’t any similar types of contests.
    Kamran Nia July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • To make access easier, there is no need to log in to view the digital replica of the newspaper.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • New York's Fashion Workers Act separately requires written consent before creating or using an AI digital replica of a model.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Duplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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