Synonym Chooser

How does the noun reproduction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reproduction are copy, duplicate, facsimile, and replica. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing.

reproductions from the museum's furniture collection

When might copy be a better fit than reproduction?

In some situations, the words copy and reproduction are roughly equivalent. However, copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically.

printed 1000 copies of the lithograph

When would duplicate be a good substitute for reproduction?

The meanings of duplicate and reproduction largely overlap; however, duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

a duplicate of a house key

When could facsimile be used to replace reproduction?

The synonyms facsimile and reproduction are sometimes interchangeable, but facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale.

a facsimile of a rare book

Where would replica be a reasonable alternative to reproduction?

While the synonyms replica and reproduction are close in meaning, 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

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 reproduction This split in the reproduction mode adds complexity and an opportunity to examine Dollo’s law. Jay Kakade may 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2025 This behavior increases their chance of survival and reproduction. Harry Bernheim, The Conversation, 23 May 2025 Pesticides, even in small amounts, can impact bees’ immune system, navigation, memory and other functions that are critical to their survival and reproduction, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, which has a Chicago office and has worked to protect the environment since 1970. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 Not to get all political right away, but every single frame of this series as a whole, and this season in particular, is colored by the inescapable pressure of fertility and reproduction at all costs. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
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
  • Alternatively, for a Chicago water bill, a unit owner may obtain a copy of the city of Chicago water bill and full payment certificate from the Chicago Department of Finance, which can be obtained online.
    Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • The strike hinges on a single issue: SAG-AFTRA’s strong concerns regarding consent and compensation for the use of AI replicas.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Infantino has appeared at Trump's rallies, dined with him at Davos, and even presented him with a replica of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy — now displayed in the Oval Office.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

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