Definition of reproductionnext

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 Jacobs said the animals helped students learn about topics including genetics, ecosystems, reproduction and adaptations. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 The seller, parkviewandbarn, identifies the lamp as a reproduction. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 The seller parkviewandbarn identifies them as reproductions made to match the originals. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026 Modern reproductions and vintage Tiffany lamps for sale through dealers and online marketplaces let homeowners borrow the color, warm glow and statement-making quality of Tiffany without owning an authentic Tiffany Studios piece. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Somehow this abstract understanding exists alongside, or by means of, the objects in the waiting room—a paper cup from the water cooler, or a copy of People magazine.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The album went on to sell more than two million copies and remains beloved by fans today.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • If cave paintings tell the stories of the earliest human life, factices — the once-ubiquitous oversized perfume bottle replicas — play a similar role in revealing the histories of fragrance.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Now, the moviegoing public can stumble on perfect replicas of theatrical blockbusters on numerous social apps and screen them in full before copyright teams can hit the panic button.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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