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 Pennsylvania is celebrating America's 250th birthday with replica Liberty Bells in all 67 counties — and a 1,000-pound sculpture made of butter celebrating some of the nation's defining moments. Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 At one point, the Port of Astoria dispatched a 32-foot fiberglass replica of sea lions’ primary predator, the orca, outfitted with real orca sounds, that almost immediately capsized. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026 Elsewhere, young ones can hone their creativity in the art lab, experiment in the STEAM lab, or explore a replica of Fenway Park’s rooftop garden, where produce is grown on site. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026 The ascent takes about an hour, and venders along the way sell religious images and replicas of the cross, as well as roasted corn and Inca Kola. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • The size can easily be adjusted by simply moving the projector closer to or farther away from the surface upon which the image is projected.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • This structure can diffract light and degrade image quality.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The feature is adapted from Patrick Sobral’s best-selling French comic series Les Légendaires which sold nine million copies in France, Benelux, Switzerland and Canada.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Disneyland fans looking for more backstory related to the Galaxy’s Edge timeline expansion will want to get a copy of the Echoes of the Empire comic book coming out April 22 that will preview the new characters coming to Batuu.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The pair welcomed twins Alexander and Ella in June 2017.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Tommy is the first born of the twins.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Teaching robots to feel To address this challenge, a research team from Japan developed a new adaptive motion reproduction system based on Gaussian process regression.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Midcentury Furniture Keep an eye out for name-brand midcentury furniture—it can sometimes get lost amongst all the cheap reproductions.
    Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Police said thieves use the port to clone data held by the car owner's key fob.
    Joe Holden, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The actress, who won an Emmy for her multifaceted work, plays five genetic clones, each with their own distinct personality and lifestyle.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Designed to support reinforcement and imitation learning workflows, Adam-U enables tasks such as object manipulation, garment handling, and coordinated movement demonstrations.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly, the story based on one of the greatest authors of spy stories ever trumps the imitation.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • One image Emerald showed me was this amazing 1950s picture of a woman wrapped up in cellophane, like a gift with a bow around the middle.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026
  • After this weekend, the Sharks begin a tough four-game road trip with games against Washington, Detroit, Florida, and Tampa Bay — all teams in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • What can your city duplicate that is improving San Marcos’ standing?
    John Moorlach, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The airway bill was a duplicate of one used the previous day to pick up a shipment of seafood, Mavity said.
    Josh Margolin, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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