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 Everything in Gilead is a facsimile of something real, reengineered to maintain the status quo. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 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 England, in theory, have players who can offer a decent facsimile of this (Elliot Anderson and Ezri Konsa, in particular), but Tuchel seems inclined to build his England squad around striker and captain Harry Kane over anyone else. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for facsimile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facsimile
Noun
  • Depicting Washington on horseback during the Revolutionary War, the original monument has been there since 1904, and is actually a replica of one gifted to France.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Pittsburgh sculptor Brian McGuire custom designed the mold and is also working on a replica of the 1926 Central Library building.
    Juliet Bennett Rylah, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The question is whether the people who filled it out can get a copy.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Printer Deals Compact enough to fit on any crowded dorm desk, the Canon Pixma TS6520 offers complete print, copy, and scan functionality.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The family snaps included a black-and-white image of a shirtless Hefner cradling the newborn, Lambropoulos Hefner introducing her daughter to their son Forrest, 3, as well as Forrest holding his baby sister, who was sweetly swaddled in pink.
    Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
  • After the image of Rhaenyra jumping to her own death and landing on spikes, Rhaenyra sees a depiction of her on the Iron Throne with blood streaming down from the crown on her head and surrounded by dragon flames.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Compounding the threat is the fact that the ships became stalled at the start of spring, a season of growth and reproduction as waters warm.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This ensures the side-wall projection matches the visual performance of the main screen, delivering native 4K resolution, DCI-P3 color reproduction, and uniform brightness across all three surfaces.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • The researchers recovered usable DNA from 95 historical specimens spanning nearly 140 years and compared them with modern samples collected in the 2000s, and the results painted a sobering picture.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The fund would modernize the state’s 911 services to keep up with today’s technology, like allowing callers to send text messages, pictures and videos to emergency dispatchers.
    Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In the throwback snap, the twins could be seen doing a cannonball into the pool.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • However, many brands have options that range from twin to California king.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • If these clone yaks are meant to boost the farming industry, are they being selectively bred to produce more milk, or better cuts of meat, or specific types of wool?
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The interview, therefore, presents an opportunity to stand out in a sea of clones.
    Cami Fateh, Vogue, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The period-relevant portraits lining the walls, decorative accessories, and the bed with a canopy headboard transported us to another century.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Another billboard shows what appears to be a fighter, wearing a shirt with Khamenei’s portrait on it.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Facsimile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facsimile. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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