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 Fox’s dress was a reproduction of the original 2008 design, per the actress and author. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026 Key criteria include rapid spread, high reproduction and the ability to outcompete native species. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026 Hormones are also a lifeline for women who have uncomfortable-to-debilitating conditions such as endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as a range of autoimmune disorders that have nothing to do with reproduction. Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026 Planning presumes a set of ideal conditions for childbearing — conditions most accessible to white, economically secure Americans — while stigmatizing and discouraging the reproduction of others. Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproduction
Noun
  • That sort of flamboyant overstatement became central to Turner’s personal brand—and made for irresistible copy in the dailies.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
  • In the second lab, the DNA is frozen until scientists make millions of copies so genetic sequencers can spell out all three billion letters of the embryo's genetic sequence.
    Rob Stein, NPR, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The registration desk was a replica of a ticket counter.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
  • Ticket holders who turn out for the early screenings will receive a free, limited-edition replica of the Dustin Hoffman bobblehead from the film, while supplies last.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reproduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproduction. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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