duplicate 1 of 3

duplicate

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noun

duplicate

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verb

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
In the museum exhibit, a duplicate bronze panel is installed on a wall within easy reach of children as well as adults. Robert Taylor, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 Those with temporary immigration status will pay a $30 one-time fee in addition to a duplicate product fee, currently $30.50, or the applicable renewal fee based on immigration status. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
Meanwhile, because of a mixup, Mickey 18 emerges from the copier before Mickey 17 has actually expired; in the copying process, duplicates are forbidden. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 According to the lawsuit, ECE International is reconciling the claims, including identifying duplicate and unsupported claims. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
From unlabeled items and duplicate products to expired foods and general chaos, pantry mistakes can lead to a host of problems, including food waste and unnecessary spending. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2025 Additionally, when the same video is sent simultaneously to multiple users, duplicate data traveling over the same internet links wastes bandwidth and further congests the network. Chetan Jaiswal, The Conversation, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for duplicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicate
Adjective
  • The creator replaced it with a nearly identical bronze statue shortly after, but moved its location to private property nearby and attached it to concrete and metal rods.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025
  • Hippler filed a separate, nearly identical order specific to the defense.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • To backtrack: Sepideh Farsi was compelled by the images coming out of Gaza to travel there.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
  • Russia is playing for time, evidently, and amassing forces on the eastern frontline, drone images show, ahead of a likely summer offensive.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Two weeks ago, the project sold just under 3,700 copies, according to Luminate.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • The franchise, which has sold 20 million copies worldwide and been translated into 15 languages, revolves around the adventures of MI5 Captain Francis Blake and his scientist friend Philip Mortimer.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • As natural landscapes are converted to agriculture or taken over by urban sprawl, logging operations and oil and gas exploration, ecosystems become fragmented and the space that species need to survive and reproduce disappears.
    Karrigan Börk, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
  • This material is not to be reproduced or redistributed absent the written consent of Fairlead Strategies.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Technically, what Teal replicates is an in-office HPV test—but because a large body of research has found that HPV testing is generally more effective at preventing cervical cancer than Pap smears, the screening recommendations for most people already emphasize the former.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 9 May 2025
  • According to the analysts, AI cannot replicate managing teams and handling customer relationships that require emotional intelligence and decision-making. 10.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Instead of being a clunky eyesore that only functions as storage, this Suncast 22-Gallon Deck Box doubles as a side table and extra seating.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • Her own exposure is doubled because her husband also drives trucks to and from the ports.
    Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The rules are strict about uniforms too, which are similar across all public schools – even specifying the types of socks and shoes students must wear.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • Trapezoids in space All of these milestones occurred out of public view, a policy of secrecy similar to the launch of a clandestine military spy satellite.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Companies are creating digital replicas of warehouses to monitor operations in real time.
    Umesh Kumar Sharma, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Steel eagle heads and sculptural pineapples can be spotted on different levels, as well as replicas of Chrysler’s 1929 radiator hub caps — a tribute to innovation as well as a direct reference to the building’s original owner.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Duplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicate. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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