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 Indoors, however, there is no winter to slow their reproduction, and female aphids can continue to produce nymphs all year without pause. Jon Vanzile, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026 In 1886, Berliner began experimenting with methods of sound recording and reproduction. Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026 Much of our concern about climate change and reproduction is rooted in the idea that reproduction is one of the first processes to fail under stress. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 There was also Sue Lyon on a reproduction of the original Kubrick movie poster for Lolita. Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • The inspector general's office confirmed that some lawmakers and their staff were allowed to read copies of the complaint on Monday.
    DAVID KLEPPER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Driving home from school, my dad would give me change to go to the convenience store and buy a print copy of the Post.
    Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On Robbie’s left wrist was a replica of a bracelet Charlotte Brontë had made after Emily and Anne died.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The replica of the ARM is an electronic chip board during a collaborative ceremony launching a partnership between Malaysia and ARM Holdings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 5, 2025.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!