Synonym Chooser

How does the noun facsimile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of facsimile are copy, duplicate, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

When is it sensible to use copy instead of facsimile?

In some situations, the words copy and facsimile are roughly equivalent. However, copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When can duplicate be used instead of facsimile?

The synonyms duplicate and facsimile are sometimes interchangeable, but duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When might replica be a better fit than facsimile?

Although the words replica and facsimile have much in common, 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

In what contexts can reproduction take the place of facsimile?

While in some cases nearly identical to facsimile, 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 facsimile Sharp-eyed fans of One Piece will spot a facsimile of a page of artwork from the first chapter. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Ask any top-flight manager to draw up the frame and skill set of their ideal midfielder, all rules of creation in their hands, and Toure would be the closest facsimile. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 The paper-printing machines of the past 40 years may indeed someday be completely discontinued, but the necessity to send facsimiles of documents lives on. Tamsin Gable, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The buzziest affair, arguably, took place inside a truck: a facsimile of the Criterion Collection’s fabled office closet, bursting with select editions of its deep and idiosyncratic film catalog. Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for facsimile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facsimile
Noun
  • In a 2021 presentation for the American Musical Instrument Society, Knight introduces replicas of Gray’s devices and gives a demonstration.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2025
  • Tom Young, a member of the Lansing Historical Society, led the team of Paul Lamborn, John Craig, and Randy Elliott, who quickly built the replica over a couple of days.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Inside, authorities allegedly found more debit cards with numerous names on them, copies of multiple driver’s licenses, bank documents and more than a dozen cell phones, state police wrote.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025
  • The Oops album, released 25 years ago this May, sold a staggering 1.3 million copies its first week, becoming the fastest-selling female album of all time (a title held until Adele dropped her 25 record over 15 years later).
    Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 16 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
  • Each week the Charlotte Observer will present a selection of images that document communities.
    The Pham, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, other species of chain fern employed a specialized strategy called dimorphism, producing two different leaf types for photosynthesis and reproduction.
    Jay Kakade May 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
  • Whether in major label studios or home recording setups, there’s always a demand for accurate reproduction of the sound captured.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • The creators of these digital twins typically charge $9-49 monthly for unlimited interaction.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • The twins' delivery initially went smoothly, but then Maura began suffering from nausea and her blood pressure remained alarmingly high.
    Gillian Telling, People.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • This looked like a man who has spent the season under pressure, worrying, his team not up to its usual standards, and all of that poured out in one moment of emotional release (top picture).
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Elsewhere at the Harrigan house, O'Hara is painting a grim picture of the crime family's increasingly delicate situation.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • This success has set the stage for the next crisis, primarily because, like Gros Michel, Cavendish bananas are also clones propagated whole from a narrow genetic base.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Justin, a sunny Dirk Diggler clone, has daddy issues that mushroom into a crush on Guillermo Jacubowicz’s nameless hotel receptionist, a humble single father.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Some portraits explore sexuality more overtly than others, but all can be read in the spirit of the exhibition.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • This portrait of a chef who moved from Japan in the 1970s delivers a generous helping of warm and fuzzy feels, as its subject faces challenges with determination and celebrates the daily joy of creating beautiful bites.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facsimile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facsimile. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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