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 Here are five ways to get a facsimile of a famous French wine style here on domestic soil this fall. Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 19 Sep. 2025 What's more, their stage show from the time period included a gigantic facsimile of the famous stones. Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025 The huge old building that once housed hundreds of newspaper employees has become a modular space where a facsimile of journalism is practiced. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 Other asks might include a travelling exhibition or a facsimile made of the original. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for facsimile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facsimile
Noun
  • The original bell was replaced on the underwater ship with a replica, engraved with the 29 sailors' names on it.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The private museum also has a replica of Sputnik 1, Project Apollo displays, and an Engine Evolution area that lets visitors get a close-up view of rocket engines and jet turbines.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Following the lead from state officials to raise recruitment numbers, the department lowered its physical requirements to join the academy, according to copies of the standards from 2016 and 2024.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
  • As part of the rental agreement's 75-year term, Prince Andrew and his family were previously allowed to remain at the Royal Lodge until 2078, according to a copy of the lease obtained by USA TODAY.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In another image, the Chinese leader appears to grin with his eyes shut, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi laughing by his side.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • TruthScan’s difference Unlike other companies offering AI image and video detection, TruthScan has detection tools for enterprise companies and for the general public.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The mice will be used in experiments on reproduction in low Earth orbit.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Shenzhou 21 is also carrying six types of experimental samples and four black mice for experiments related to reproduction in low Earth orbit.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The data paints a picture of an urgent drive to develop capacity for new and more sophisticated missiles.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • There are no birth announcements for my mother or her sister, but there are pictures of them in cowboy costumes at a photo studio sometime in the mid 1950s.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • His oldest child, musician Jesse Wood, was 39 years old when the twins were born.
    Sari Hitchins, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The twins partnered with HomeGoods to embrace early holiday decorating, sharing insights on sisterhood, family traditions, and essentials to celebrate the season.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Remember Dolly the sheep, a clone born in 1996?
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Nearly two years later, Brady has revealed that Junie is a clone of the late pit bull mix.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In this intimate portrait of life during the exhilarating early days of the women’s liberation movement in Scandinavia in the 1970s, Pernille Ipsen tells the stories of the seven women who raised her, who were all part of the women’s movement in Denmark.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Elizabeth was often photographed wearing them to galas and other royal occasions, and sat for a portrait with the jewels in the 1950s.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facsimile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facsimile. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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