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 Inside the cathedral’s nave, the mummified hand of St Stephen, displayed in an ornate replica of the building, was a fascinating discovery. Lucy Handley, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 Five are original, while Cedar Bridge is a replica; only Cedar remains open to vehicles, but all six can be crossed on foot or by bicycle. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2026 The canister was a full-size, non-nuclear replica of the vessel designed to house the company’s Gravity reactor core. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026 Digital twin models, in particular, are used to build more reliable, responsive and adaptive systems by creating virtual replicas of real-world networks. Miroslav Katsarov, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • Light enters, and an image is reflected, but one’s consciousness is scaleable, elastic, shrinkable to the space within the glass.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • By now, Donohue would have been confident that Haaland was factually onside, but there was still the final stage, which is to approve an image that would be sent to the broadcasters.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • However, the Daily Mail reported that on Monday a truck carrying copies was travelling between a printing plant and a warehouse in the Netherlands when it was intercepted while parked in a lay-by, with four copies of the book mysteriously stolen.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Apparently, the king was not given an advance copy, but Prince Harry did receive one weeks ago.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With Oklo, the team is building machine-learning systems and digital twins for electrorefining.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The Pigeon Sisters — Desi Amato as Gwendolyn and Penny Amara as Cecily — are played as distinct individuals rather than as near-twins as often happens.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition is mostly screens, projections and reproductions, with a handful of great works from the 16th and 17th centuries and feels superficial at times.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • These reproductions are surprisingly effective, partly because the tapestry was made by many hands to begin with, and free embroidery is not an art of finesse.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Criminals in 2026 can craft convincing emails and clone familiar voices with alarming accuracy.
    Emily Elconin for CNN, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Some females, however, reproduce asexually by making clones of themselves.
    Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • According to the criminal complaint, police found an imitation pistol in the suspect’s bag.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Global game Durant welcomes NBA’s international flair To Kevin Durant, imitation is not just flattery.
    Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Mannion’s big-picture plans require Hurts to play in an Eagles offense that has already looked very different.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Late Show won for writing, short form comedy, picture editing, technical direction and camerawork, and lighting design — all a fond farewell to the show.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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