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 The goal of the effort is to locate reproductive female pythons and then humanely euthanize them, preventing further reproduction. Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025 Starting January 1, all LV boutiques worldwide will display reproductions of the original monogram patent and the historic wooden monogram stamp in their windows. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2025 Such history implies that building humanoids is a cultural imperative, an instinct that parallels biological reproduction. James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 In 2026, with high-end TVs now delivering more than enough brightness and resolution for most consumers, manufacturers are likely to focus on wider color reproduction and other improvements that result in a more vivid, lifelike picture. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • The feature is adapted from Patrick Sobral’s best-selling French comic series Les Légendaires which sold nine million copies in France, Benelux, Switzerland and Canada.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Disneyland fans looking for more backstory related to the Galaxy’s Edge timeline expansion will want to get a copy of the Echoes of the Empire comic book coming out April 22 that will preview the new characters coming to Batuu.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, keeps a replica of the Rosebud sled in his home.
    Reeves Wiedeman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
  • But in 12 of the cases, the person targeted was not armed, including several people who were later found in possession of replica firearms.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 20 Jan. 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!