Definition of facsimilenext

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 Jewett points out that there are plenty of applications, such as drug delivery and diagnostics, that don’t need a cell that fully rebuilds itself but could benefit from a facsimile like the SpudCell. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 14 July 2026 Reconstruction will not create a facsimile of the original LC-36A, however. Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 June 2026 Europa-Park in Rust, Germany A cheeky European facsimile of a famous theme park mouse couple, Europa-Park’s Ed and Edda’s ears will never form an iconic silhouette. Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026 Yesteryear is narrated by a woman named Natalie Heller Mills, a Ballerina Farm facsimile who is pregnant with her sixth child at the beginning of the novel, and whose pixel-perfect online life as @YesteryearRanch is essentially all a lie. Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for facsimile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facsimile
Noun
  • Today, replicas of various degrees of accuracy are readily available.
    David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • After a project is complete, actors must sign off and be paid the equivalent of an in-person performance if their replica is used.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Cinema is a relatively young art form; the idea of owning a personal copy of a film is an even more recent invention.
    Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Organizers left a copy of the letter on the floor of the business’ entryway.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Following Abloh’s death in November 2021, Kamara was appointed as art and image director and presented his first show, Spring/Summer 2023, in Paris that year.
    Luke Leitch, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The telescope’s first images are expected in the beginning months of 2027.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For scholars of that mindset, all reference to precedent—any precedent, either natural or artificial—is mediated by modern technologies of mechanical reproduction, and by an awareness of their ubiquitous sway.
    Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Circled by a verdant reproduction of an enchanted forest, and dressed in a black swan-like two-piece by Ann Demeulemeester, Zardoya held the audience captive with her purring soprano and vampy stare.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This picture shows signage of cross-border fast fashion e-commerce company SHEIN.
    Jenny Lee, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • One picture in the announcement included a snap of a baby onesie, a positive pregnancy test and a sonogram strip.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But soaps demand evil twins, hence the Sybok of La’an’s imagination.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Ben and Zack, his 10-year-old twins, also spent time on the ice.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Some females, however, reproduce asexually by making clones of themselves.
    Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That’s in contrast to bacteria, which reproduce asexually, creating clones that are often nearly identical and easy to trace.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Giovanna had spent almost forty years researching Fernanda and, in a way, had already created her own portrait of her.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • As Ghostface prepared to leave the Boone, Kansas City artist Deaunte Thomas approached him carrying a portrait depicting Ghostface alongside other members of Wu-Tang Clan.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Facsimile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facsimile. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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