Definition of replicanext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun replica differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of replica are copy, duplicate, facsimile, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," 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 would copy be a good substitute for replica?

The words copy and replica can be used in similar contexts, but copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When is duplicate a more appropriate choice than replica?

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

a duplicate of a house key

When could facsimile be used to replace replica?

While the synonyms facsimile and replica are close in meaning, facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would reproduction be a reasonable alternative to replica?

In some situations, the words reproduction and replica are roughly equivalent. However, 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 replica The exhibit features 200 artworks, some certified originals lent by private collectors and the rest are replicas. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2026 These intelligent, virtual replicas allow organizations to simulate outcomes, predict failures, and optimize performance across manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and transportation. Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Lesage, like some replicas of the sapphire parure from Queen Marie-Amélie of France, whose parts were stolen in the dramatic robbery last October. Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 There are three red and green replica trolleys that make their way from Merchants Square to High Street and New Town every day. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • Women other than Maxwell were redacted from videos and images being released Friday, Blanche said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026
  • View gallery - 3 images Walking in the rain with an umbrella is never a hands-free experience.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The modern bike on the left is a fairly sharp copy of the 1040s original (right).
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Two members of the Coordination Framework confirmed to The Associated Press having received the message, a copy of which was circulated widely on social media.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • If convicted, Oren and Alon Alexander, 38-year-old twins, and Tal Alexander, 39, could face life in prison.
    Isabelle McCauley, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Twinless was made for next-to-nothing and features O’Brien’s richest screen performance to date as twins — one grieving the death of the other.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Indoors, however, there is no winter to slow their reproduction, and female aphids can continue to produce nymphs all year without pause.
    Jon VanZile, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
  • In 1886, Berliner began experimenting with methods of sound recording and reproduction.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But those competitors have released junky TikTok clones and slop generators.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Still bolder spammers have even tried to impersonate famous musicians, such as when prog rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard pulled their music from Spotify in protest of the platform’s stance on AI, only to be replaced by AI clones.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • At first, its proliferation seemed to constitute a typical case of Hollywood copycatting; Big Little Lies becomes a smash, wins eight Emmys, begets flimsy imitations that lots of people watch anyway.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The success of Korean cinema demonstrates how mastery through imitation can lead to genuine innovation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His picture topped newspapers across the country under headlines announcing that the killer had surrendered.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • When the financial picture feels fragmented (too many reports, too much noise, not enough forward-looking insight), leaders hesitate.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The number of documents subject to review ballooned to roughly 6 million, including duplicates.
    Eric Tucker, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Even having a duplicate of a passport can be helpful if your primary passport is damaged, lost, or stolen.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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