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 Lowe’s, for example, will use the tech to create a digital replica of its global supply chain to find opportunities for greater efficiency and cost savings. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025 Givenchy also created a replica of the five-strand pearl necklace that draped across Hepburn’s collarbone. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025 The building is a replica of Ng Shing Gung, or the Temple of Five Gods, which was built in the Heinlenville Chinatown in 1887 and served as a hostel, community center and Chinese school. Sophie Luo, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025 This year, a replica of the Seneca Chief, which carried Clinton in 1825, set out from Buffalo on the canal. JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Sushi knives and utensils were found with organic debris, and imitation crab meat was found unrefrigerated.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Even his imitation of 20th-century leadership lacks a certain verve.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 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
  • While past years have seen some repeats among the talk-show costumes, this year featured fewer duplicates though both Today‘s Sheinelle Jones and Live!
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Another way to spot AI videos is to keep an eye out for near-duplicates of the same clip.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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