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 This 1:200 scale replica stands 19.4 inches tall, 1.64 inches in diameter and weighs just 4.2 oz — quite a bit smaller than the real thing, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty and weighs 2750 tons! Ian Stokes, Space.com, 23 May 2025 As a surprise to Johnson, Iris Smith of Cakes by Iris created a larger-than-life groom's cake — a full-scale replica of his beloved guitar, Maple, with every detail, including the signatures on the front. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 May 2025 The precision-engineering racing rig (offered in yellow, green, blue, and orange) puts the driver into a detailed replica of a racing cockpit. Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 The top of the 2024 replica ring doesn’t detach, but championship pendants can be purchased separately for $249 apiece. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for replica
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replica
Noun
  • Any federal agent using Clearview or an alternative can take the same footage and run facial images to find matches across photos scraped from social sites.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Aerial images of the area show many houses still standing but without roofs.
    Omar Albam, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Moore had to deal with the rejection of her only attempt at a novel and the news that her Selected Poems had been remaindered at thirty cents a copy.
    Susan Gubar June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • Mario Kart World Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 Developer: Nintendo EPD Publisher: Nintendo Released: 5th June 2025 Price: $79.99 Score: 9/10 Disclosure: Nintendo sent me a copy of this game for the purposes of this review.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • The twins, who traveled from Arizona alongside Stinnett’s wife, are angling for a revolutionary twist where the two will be cast on the same season without the rest of the contestants knowing their relationship.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
  • Its twin, Universal Terra Luna, is a bit further, diagonal from the park.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Book a hang gliding lesson or pilot a reproduction of the glider the Wright brothers flew in 1902.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
  • The reproduction of the gallows is certain to evoke strong emotions for visitors.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The Grand Army of the Republic The Republic's clone army, under the leadership of Jedi generals, faces off against the Separatists' droids.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Over the course of an hour, the Stand-Up Emmy Roundtable covered everything from clones to cocaine to cancellation.
    Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Competitive advantage lies in differentiation, not imitation.
    Ayo Adepoju, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Rare Breed agreed not to develop FRTs for pistols and to enforce its patents to block potentially unsafe imitations.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The most recent Bond picture, Live and Let Die, was predominantly shot in Louisiana in 1972, and released to theaters in 1973.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 4 June 2025
  • Now, court records and interviews paint a chilling picture of the suspect's yearlong plot to firebomb a pro-Israel protest walk on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Users are directed to those duplicates via messaging and social media channels.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Most of the gems were sent to an Indian museum in Kolkata, according to the Indian government, and a fifth of the total find — consisting of duplicates of the main collection — were retained by Peppé.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Replica.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replica. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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