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 Ceramic artist Chandler Romeo has been putting the finishing touches on miniature replicas of the tower ahead of the reopening. Kevin Strong, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 Walk through one of her old tour buses and tour a replica of her childhood home, designed by members of the Parton family. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026 Families can walk through one of Parton’s old tour buses and see a replica of her storied childhood home, designed by members of the Parton family. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 The original Roo has been long lost, so to mark the book’s centenary Camilla is bringing a replica. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • Alpencamper View gallery - 13 images Most bicycle campers just tow, but there are some that flip, that drop, that pitch and that straight blow up.
    C.C. Weiss May 01, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
  • However, the image of the Indigenous man is still featured around the campus, including in a large mural in the gym.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Knapp’s wife, Grace Knapp, was presented with a copy of the commemorative street sign.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • There was a stack of six advanced reader copies of my own book.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • David Palmer, in his first year as South Elgin’s coach, knew the twins were his type of players early on after taking over.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Wildlife officials say aoudad reproduce far more quickly, often producing twins twice a year.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Such behavior would have improved the odds of reproduction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
  • The concept of high-fidelity sound reproduction has been around since the 1930s and denotes a sound system with no distortion or degradation in quality.
    Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Other characters the writer co-created during this time are the supervillain Jackal and Parker’s clone Ben Reilly.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Other companies have already deployed AI clones of their leaders in a similar fashion to Customers Bank.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That task had required demolition and repression, imitation and invention.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, OpenAI’s actions are especially telling.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The junior shortstop/outfielder drew that picture Monday before Lemont (17-7) had its South Suburban Conference crossover game against Oak Lawn (10-8) postponed due to inclement weather.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • As the first block was hoisted, Alemani darted to the railing to take a picture.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Creating a Dayton duplicate is less work for the NCAA, after all.
    Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Once designed, both the dresses and the tuxedo had to be replicated in duplicates to accommodate the stunt doubles and the mess that would ensue while shooting the final scene of the wedding night.
    Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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