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 Pompeii is the only site in the world that allows the recovery of this type of evidence, enabling visitors to see the reproduction of objects that were destroyed and the people who lived and died at that moment. ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026 The hero, fully ignorant of women’s bodies and the basics of human reproduction, mistakes her period stain for a wound. Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026 There’s no recording or reproduction. Hazlitt, 11 Mar. 2026 The art in this collection is a stunning reproduction of Miyazaki’s illustrations, including concept sketches, animation stills and interviews with the creators. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • Once viewed as a leader in transparency, the Sunshine State now charges exorbitant copy fees that discourage average people from requesting public records.
    David Cuillier, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Although there was merch for sale, including T-shirts and vinyl copies of A Good Night in the Ghetto, the complimentary keepsake was just one example of the mutual adoration shared between the performer and her supporters.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The permanent exhibit includes a full-scale replica of the Nihonbashi Bridge, an arching wooden structure that once joined the five roads to Edo at the gate to the capital.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The replica sweaters sold out quickly following the tournament because Nike, which handles the manufacturing of hockey merchandise for Team USA, apparently underestimated the demand that would be fueled by the Americans’ upset of Canada in the gold medal game.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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