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 Jack was dressed in an exact replica of his father's iconic outfit. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 The vehicles going up for bid include originals and replicas from movies and TV shows like Fast & Furious franchise, John Wick 2, and Drive. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025 The in-game island features a replica 70th anniversary sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle, as well as musical touches and skyline nods to iconic Disneyland Resort landmarks. Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 Queen Letizia’s wardrobe selections for the state gala dinner on Tuesday night was a near-exact replica of the Spanish royal’s attire for the state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in April 2024, during the Spanish royals‘ state visit to the country. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • In places like Kemusuk, a village near Yogyakarta where he was born, his image is everywhere – from museum memorabilia celebrating his life to the souvenir T-shirts with his smiling face.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • In this image, Johns sits on a table littered with liquor bottles.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Sean Soendker Nicholson, a political consultant working with the referendum campaign, called People Not Politicians, provided The Star with a copy of the contract.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 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
  • Throughout these years, the body begins to prepare for the end of reproduction.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Seed materials, fruits, and branches were carefully collected from the two species to not disturb the small populations’ natural reproduction capabilities.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 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
  • His allies in Georgia flagged chain-of-custody gaps and possible duplicate scanning during the post-election audit period.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on replica

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