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 Until now, paleontologists had no way to know details about metabolic rates and reproduction or the colors of skin, feathers and eggs. Kristi Curry Rogers, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 In South Florida, the semi-aquatic species has a high reproduction rate and is a generalist feeder, gobbling everything from crabs to snakes to small mammals, according to FWC. Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026 Today, styles ranging from historic reproductions to merely Ghurka-inspired can be sourced from brands including Bryceland’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Todd Snyder and more. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 July 2026 The idea is not to stress a recovering species in such a way that its reproduction is impacted. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • The company informed sellers Wednesday of the policy change, according to a copy of the announcement viewed by CNBC.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • On Friday, Qualcomm sent a letter to customers informing them of price hikes, according to a copy of the document seen by Bloomberg News.
    Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Javier Bardem, wearing a Spain replica shirt with Borja Iglesias’ name and No 26 on the back, was shown celebrating in the stands.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The foursome was seated arm in arm, wearing replica jerseys of Spain’s team and celebrating the country’s dramatic semifinal win over France.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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