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 pillars behind the desk are replicas of the actual architecture of the Ed Sullivan Theatre. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 No Fakes would not impose requirements for social media platforms to find every unauthorized replica before it is reported. — Shira Lazar, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2026 Chanel celebrated its connection with Deauville by turning its fall 2024 runway into a replica of its boardwalk. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 At the Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre, near the landmark Petronas Twin Towers, visitors venture into a replica durian orchard to discover the fruit’s culture and history. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • The Senate passed a bill Monday night that aims to regulate college sports after several court cases in recent years dramatically overhauled NCAA rules and allowed student-athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness, known as NIL.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026
  • View gallery - 11 images Ahead of the upcoming fall sales season, smart home robotics brand Narwal has announced an exclusive early access promotion on its flagship robot vacuum and mop system, the Narwal Flow 2.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • These genomes should reflect the full sequence of both chromosome copies and the diversity of the global population, rather than relying on one person or one ancestral group as a universal standard.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • When the Spider swings past a silverish-gray newsstand filled with copies of the Daily Bugle, the frame becomes black-and-white, even in the color version.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That her means of exit is abandoning her newborn twins is less than sympathetic, but in a different era Cathy would have options beyond a domesticity that never suited her in the first place.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This is where digital twins become useful as decision-validation tools.
    — Amruth Puppala, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The abject terror of reproduction was personified by Lamashtu, demoness of the night, drinker of blood, eater of flesh, slayer of children, untimely opener of wombs, ravager of women.
    — Eleanor Johnson, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • But warmer temperatures favor mosquito reproduction and can mean the transmission season sometimes lasts as late as November, Bella explained.
    — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In what is considered Clone Saga’s most controversial twist in the books, Ben Reilly at one point is declared the real Spider-Man and Peter Parker the clone — a switch that eventually was reversed after backlash from fans.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Relying on human instinct to catch an AI clone is a losing strategy.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Like wheeled humanoids, these systems are built for structured, high-throughput environments, prioritizing mobility and efficiency over human imitation.
    — Artem Sokolov, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • That framing, blanket as functional substitute rather than diluted imitation, is what researchers need before designing longer trials.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the overall picture of religious infighting in 1640s Britain is essential to understanding how some people, especially poorer folk and especially women, found themselves on the wrong side of powerful, pious opponents.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • This result reveals a mechanism distinct from the conventional picture of particle-antiparticle production and could offer a new way to study phenomena that are otherwise difficult to calculate.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The list of candidates for the top prize duplicates last year’s roster of EOTY nominees, with the exception of Langley taking the spot that went to Morgan Wallen in 2024.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Objectors also allege some petition sheets were copies, duplicates or did not apply to the specified referendum.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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