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 Fortunately, a full-scale replica of one of the two commercial lunar landers under development for NASA's Artemis program is now available for training purposes. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 20 May 2026 Look for Eddy, the life-size replica of an Ice Age Mammoth. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 20 May 2026 Recently, a hobbyist created a life-size sci-fi droid replica using 3D printing and AI voice technology, showcasing affordable tools for interactive home robotics and automation. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026 The 58-year-old makes the replica World Cup trophies by hand from molds and finishes them off with paint. ABC News, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • At the center of the image stood King Charles, 77, alongside 78-year-old wife Queen Camilla.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
  • That matters in a world where science is increasingly attacked and even images themselves are increasingly doubted.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • The album debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200 and brought in record-breaking first week sales, selling 641,000 total copies in its first week of release — the most by a group since Billboard started tracking streaming numbers in 2014 — including 532,000 in pure album sales.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026
  • Virgin with Codex is your usual Flemish virgin—a loose copy of a 16th-century painting by an anonymous artist in the Courtauld Gallery’s collection.
    Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Also, one of the things my co-composer, Joseph Shirley, and I were tasked with doing was coming up with a sound for when the twins are engaging in telepathy, speaking to each other with their minds.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
  • The twins began high school that fall.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • 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, 24 May 2026
  • Scientists also warned that artificial light is dramatically affecting biodiversity, especially among nocturnal species that rely on darkness for feeding, migration and reproduction.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The company is also working on creating more dire wolves from a new cell line, since Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi are technically clones and therefore will not be allowed to breed.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026
  • The raging success of Cheers, Seinfeld, Friends, Home Improvement, and Roseanne inspired a flood of clones.
    Ted Linhart, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Experience has taught me that too much imitation can paralyze you.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
  • From left, stalwart Fast/Furious gun molls Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez, who know their way around all sorts of fancy cars, not to mention firearms, breezily support central good/bad dude Vin Diesel, who’s doing his best professional bowling imitation for the paparazzi.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Knowing your full debt picture helps determine which options make sense and which ones don't.
    Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 18 May 2026
  • The second time around, the pair finally took a photo together after the game — the same picture now featured in Ashley’s viral TikTok chronicling the beginning of their relationship.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Removing duplicates will not alter the substantive analysis ED must conduct for each borrower, or the order in which ED processes requests.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Creating a Dayton duplicate is less work for the NCAA, after all.
    Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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