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 This doesn’t mean elite parents sit around plotting class reproduction over brunch. Rob Henderson, Washington Post, 21 June 2026 The problem is, mainstream science and society have been slow to move away from the narrative that all animals copulate only for reproduction, any same-sex activity is purely anomalous (and unnatural), and every species is male-dominated. Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026 The new earbuds are designed to deliver natural ambiance with high-quality audio reproduction without the need for electronic pass-through modes. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 In this type of relationship, the parasite spreads within insect populations by altering the host’s reproduction. Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Pekec declined to say who filed the permit and did not provide NBC News with a copy.
    Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Created in 2003 by Kirkman and Cory Walker, and joined later by contributing creator Ryan Ottley, the award-winning Invincible comic series ran for 15 years in collaboration with Image Comics, spanning 146 issues and selling more than 6 million copies.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The left is reserved for Mediheal, the Korean brand behind the viral Madecassoside Blemish toner pads, with a larger-than-life replica of the cyan box sitting next to the window.
    Shanna Shipin, Allure, 29 June 2026
  • Patrons can enjoy a piece of birthday cake and sign a giant replica of the Declaration of Independence, according to the Arkansas Heritage webpage for the event.
    Jesse Cain, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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